Somalia has been grappling with significant challenges such as social inequality, extreme poverty, ongoing conflicts, and climate change-induced weather events. In 2024, an estimated seven million people in the country were dependent on humanitarian aid, with nearly four million internally displaced persons.
In this challenging environment, a hospital supported by KfW Development Bank has achieved recognition for its sustainable construction. The architectural firm APC (Architectural Pioneering Consultants), based in Zurich and Dar es Salaam, has won ArchDaily's 'Building of the Year Award' in the Healthcare Infrastructure category for their work on the Burtinle District Hospital. ArchDaily is known for its annual competition judged by 60,000 architects who are members of its website.
The hospital is situated in Burtinle, near the Somali-Ethiopian border where temperatures frequently exceed 35 degrees Celsius. APC addressed challenges such as interrupted water and electricity supply and limited maintenance capacities by integrating local traditions with innovative design solutions. The hospital features four buildings surrounding a central courtyard, incorporating wind towers and an underground cooling system to manage ventilation without relying on electric air conditioning.
Dr Achim Jaup from KfW praised the project: “The feedback from Burtinle about the hospital - from staff and patients - has been consistently positive. Burtinle can serve as a model for other public buildings in the region.”
Healthcare access in Somalia remains limited due to privatisation and high costs. Since 2018, KfW Development Bank has been active in Puntland under BMZ's direction to enhance healthcare infrastructure alongside UNICEF's country program. The Burtinle District Hospital includes various facilities like an emergency room, outpatient clinic, pharmacy, laboratory, maternity ward, operating theatre, and administrative offices.