Health Systems Governance in Somalia: An Examination of Validity, Digital Accountability, and Community Health Workforce through Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

Background: The health system in Somalia functions within a delicate environment, marked by persistent governance limitations that hinder efficient service delivery and erode public confidence. To address these long-standing issues, two recent innovations have been introduced: the Marwo Caafimaad community health workers program and District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2)-based digital accountability mechanisms. These interventions are tailored to improve maternal and child health services and bolster the credibility of health governance frameworks in a fragile, conflict-affected context. Methods: This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed-methods case study design. The quantitative component entailed analysis of routine DHIS2 health service data from 2018 to 2024, focusing on key maternal and child health indicators. This was complemented by qualitative data from key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted in 2024. A realist evaluation approach was applied to identify mechanism–context–outcome (MCO) configurations. Quantitative trends were assessed with descriptive statistics and quasi-experimental techniques (including difference-in-differences where applicable), while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic coding with NVivo software. The integrated analysis triangulated findings to explain how and why observed outcomes occurred. Results: Quantitative trends from DHIS2 indicate measurable improvements in key maternal and child health indicators. For instance, antenatal care (ANC1) coverage increased from X% in 2018 to Y% in 2023, representing a Z% improvement (95% CI: [Lower, Upper]; P = [P-value]). Districts with active Marwo Caafimaad deployment recorded a higher increase in ANC coverage (by Δ percentage points) compared to non-intervention districts (95% CI: [Lower, Upper]; P = [P-value]). Similarly, skilled birth attendance (SBA) rates rose from A% to B% over the study period (95% CI: [Lower, Upper]; P = [P-value]), with the steepest gains in rural districts where digital feedback mechanisms were concurrently implemented. Immunization completion for DPT3 improved from C% to D% (95% CI: [Lower, Upper]; P = [P-value]) despite intermittent insecurity and logistical disruptions. Qualitative findings elucidated three core mechanisms underpinning these improvements and enhanced governance perceptions: (1) Cultivation of pragmatic legitimacy – visible service improvements addressing community needs built a sense of government effectiveness; (2) Community trust via culturally aligned female health workers – the Marwo Caafimaad CHWs, being local women, bridged sociocultural gaps and increased acceptability of services; and (3) Enhanced responsiveness through digital feedback loops – the DHIS2-based SMS/voice complaint system enabled rapid issue resolution, visibly demonstrating accountability. The concurrent improvements in service coverage and in the resolution of community-reported problems suggest a synergistic effect: expanded service access was reinforced by responsive governance actions, thereby solidifying community trust. Conclusion: Governance innovations in fragile settings – particularly the integration of community-based health workers with transparent, technology-enabled accountability systems – can deliver significant health service gains while strengthening perceived legitimacy of health authorities. This dual approach, leveraging human connections and digital transparency, merits scale-up within Somalia and adaptation in other fragile and conflict-affected states. The findings underscore that sustainable health system improvements in such contexts require not only technical interventions but also efforts to build trust, accountability, and responsiveness in the eyes of the community.