Background: While the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus shows a decreasing trend globally, it is reported that the frequency of the infection and the associated mortality has increased in Somalia. HIV infection also plays an important role in maternal mortality and morbidity. Objective: It is aimed to determine the HIV prevalence in pregnant women by observing the general population. Methods: It was a quantitative, retrospective study conducted to examine the records of anti-HIV antibody test results of all patients. The sample size was calculated as 664 with a 99% confidence interval (CI) and a 5% margin of error. Anti-HIV results of selected patients in the electronic database were obtained. Mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values were calculated for the age. Percentages were calculated for prevalence. Results: A total of 7959 pregnant were tested and 17 pregnants were found to be positive (0.2%). The results of 199,936 patients were analyzed. A total of 699 patients were found to be positive (0.3%). Of the 699 positive cases, 293 (41.9) were female and 406 (58.1%) were male. HIV seroprevalence in men and women was 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Within the scope of WHO's global HIV elimination goal, Somalia needs effective national and international initiatives.

Background There has been an increase in worldwide cesarean section rates, although they remain low in most Sub-Saharan African countries, including Somalia. The present is the first hospital-based study that analyzes the rate, indications, and associated maternal mortality of cesarean deliveries reported from Somalia. Methods This retrospective study reviewed data of all deliveries from 2015 to 2021 using electronic medical records in the hospital information system. Retrieved data include baseline demographic characteristics, mode of delivery, indications and the type of cesarean section, and the documented maternal mortality during the study period. Results During seven years, there were 12,540 total deliveries. Among these, 2703 were cesarean sections giving an overall cesarean section rate of 21.6%. The mean age of the patients was 26.7±7.3 years [14–44 years]. Multiparous mothers constituted 67.7% during the study period. According to cesarean deliveries, nulliparous mothers (55.7%) underwent the maximum number of cesarean sections. Emergency cesarean section was the predominant intervention compared to elective C-sections (59.2% vs 40.8%). Primary CS was the most common predominant, while repeat CS increased timely, 77.7% vs 22.3%, respectively. Overall, previous C-sections and fetal distress were the two most common indications for cesarean delivery (22.3% and 22.1%), respectively. C-sections were predominant in women of younger age, Primiparity, having term deliveries, and did not receive regular antenatal care. The maternal mortality rate was 1.7%, and 61% was due to direct obstetric hemorrhage, including postpartum hemorrhage, Placenta abruption, and uterine rupture. Conclusion The study findings showed a slight increase in cesarean delivery rates during the study period. This rate is higher than the 10–15% recommended by the WHO in developing countries. Policies and efforts to decrease unnecessary cesarean sections should be promoted and implemented at each health facility.

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Background Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 23 countries and the most common cause of death in 36 countries, mostly from Sub-Saharan African countries. Cervical screening is a key element to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Cancer screening is low in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to provide information about cervical premalignant lesions frequency in Somalia. Methods The pathology results of cervicovaginal smear samples obtained from patients aged 25–65 years who applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic between October 5 and December 5, 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. SPSS 22.0 was used for the statistical analysis of the data. Result Among the 497 results, 63 premalignant lesions were detected. The rate of premalignant lesions (63/497) was found to be 12.3%. The most common premalignant lesion was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). Conclusion In this study, the frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in Somalia was found to be higher than in the literature. Vaccination, screening, and early diagnosis are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer. Access to vaccination, screening, and early diagnosis, which are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer in Somalia, will be possible with the cooperation of the national health system and international organizations.

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 23 countries and the most common cause of death in 36 countries, mostly from Sub-Saharan African countries. Vaccination availability is increasing day by day, with more than 65% of girls vaccinated in 2019 were living in low- and middle-income countries. Cervical screening is a key element to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Cancer screening is low in Sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The pathology results of cervicovaginal smear samples obtained from patients aged 25-65 years who applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic between October 5 and December 5, 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data.Results: Among the 497 results, 63 premalignant lesions were detected. The rate of premalignant lesions (63/497) was found to be 12,3%. Most common premalign lesion was ASC-US.Conclusions: In this study, the frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in Somalia was found to be higher than in the literature. Vaccination, screening and early diagnosis are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer. Access to vaccination, screening and early diagnosis, which are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer for Somalia, will be possible with the cooperation of the national health system and international organizations.