‘Somalia needs me, and I need Somalia too’: The impactful return of a diaspora specialist medicine nurse and ward leader

By International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia| Issue 27

Mulki Diriye and her colleagues at Garowe General Hospital in Puntland. © IOM Somalia 2025

When Mulki Diriye stepped off the plane in Somalia, she was responding to a strong pull to reconnect with her roots and support the development of her homeland. After years of building a life and career in the United Kingdom (UK), she returned through IOM’s Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) programme, bringing with her not only expertise but also a powerful sense of purpose. As she reflects, ‘Migration gave me new skills, experiences, and a wider view of the world. It helped me grow and made me want to give back to my country.’ Today, Mulki is a transformative force at Garowe General Hospital in Puntland, where she serves as a specialist medicine nurse, mentor, and advocate for maternal health and gender-based violence (GBV) survivors. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of diaspora engagement in rebuilding fragile health systems.

A return rooted in purpose

Mulki’s decision to come back wasn’t spontaneous. ‘Returning to Somalia was always in my heart,’ she shares. ‘Even while living in the UK with my family, I longed to return. I was simply waiting for the right opportunity – and when it came, I was ready to embrace it wholeheartedly.’

That opportunity came through MIDA, a programme that bridges the gap between skilled diaspora professionals and institutions in their countries of origin or heritage. For Mulki, it was more than a job placement: it was a chance to make a tangible difference in the healthcare system and people in need of support.

Rebuilding services and restoring dignity

One of Mulki’s most impactful contributions has been the revitalisation of GBV services at Garowe General Hospital. When funding cuts jeopardised crucial support for survivors, Mulki stepped up establishing a new GBV office and becoming the hospital’s primary focal point for survivor care. ‘Survivors often face stigma, silence, and traditional norms that make it hard to seek help’, she explains. ‘I navigate this by building trust and engaging the community.’ Despite limited resources, she has successfully created a safe, confidential space for survivors – many of whom come from internally displaced persons camps where girls and women face heightened risks of sexual violence, early marriage, and domestic abuse. The impact of her work is evident, but she stresses the urgent need for more trained staff, better referral systems, and steady funding to keep the service strong and reach more people.

Leading by example and teaching the next generation

Mulki’s influence extends well beyond the GBV office. In the maternity ward, she is known for her hands-on mentorship and unwavering commitment to compassionate patient-centred care. She trains nurses, midwives, and interns in safe delivery practices, neonatal care, and ethical conduct. Her holistic approach even includes tasks like ward sanitation, demonstrating her commitment to upholding high hygiene standards.  

Jamila Abukar Heydan, a senior midwife mentored by Mulki, praises her impact: ‘Mulki has instilled values of professionalism, ethics, and respect for patients’ rights. She introduced patient cards to track mothers and newborns, ensuring accuracy and follow-up.’

Hospital Director Dr Hodan Ali Shire echoes this sentiment: ‘Mulki’s placement through IOM has brought transformative changes. Her on-the-job training has enhanced the capacity of our nurses, midwives and interns, improved patient communication, and strengthened medical reporting.’ Word of Mulki’s impactful work has spread with other departments now seeking her guidance.

Beyond the hospital, Mulki also lectures at Puntland State University, where she equips the next generation of nurses and midwives, providing them with the skills and confidence to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, continuous learning and teamwork are essential. ‘Empowering women and girls through training is vital because it builds confidence, knowledge, and leadership’, she asserts. ‘When young women see what’s possible, they’re more likely to pursue education.’

To other healthcare workers, she kindly advises: ‘Start with small changes, lead with kindness, and always listen to the people you serve. Your actions can inspire others and help build a stronger, healthier community.’

Her students and colleagues describe her as humble, supportive, proactive and deeply committed. As one trainee put it: ‘Whenever I work with Mulki, I feel confident and motivated.’ Yet Mulki sees it as a mutual learning experience: ‘It’s truly about knowledge exchange, sharing experiences, and bridging two worlds. Change takes teamwork.’

Innovation in the face of scarcity

Despite challenges including limited infrastructure and capacity, funding gaps, and social stigma – Mulki has become adept at finding simple, low-cost solutions that yield significant results. From utilising mobile phones to remind patients about immunisation for infants to integrating family planning services and GBV support into routine midwifery care, she champions a holistic and accessible approach to healthcare delivery. She also advocates for the use of digital tools for documentation and management, helping the hospital transition to more efficient, reliable and accountable systems. ‘Accurate data improves decision-making and patient outcomes’, she explains.

A call to her fellow diaspora members

Mulki’s message is clear: rebuilding Somalia is a collective responsibility. To the diaspora community, she offers heartfelt encouragement: ‘Do not underestimate the value of [your] skills, ideas, and voices. Somalia needs all of us, and meaningful change starts when we choose to show up. Even small contributions can make a lasting impact. Don’t wait or overthink it. Just come.’

Mulki Diriye 

Mulki spent her early years in Somalia before moving to the United Kingdom, where she built a career in healthcare and raised a family. Driven by a deep desire to contribute to her homeland, she returned to Somalia to strengthen its healthcare system. She is a dedicated specialist medicine nurse and ward leader who champions women’s health with tireless passion and purpose. The placement of Mulki was possible thanks to the contribution of the Government of Finland to the IOM MIDA FINNSOM programme. For more information, please visit https://somalia.iom.int/mida-programme or reach out to somaliacomms@iom.int.