Language Barriers in the Federal Republic of Somalia's Healthcare: Addressing Inclusivity for Minority Dialects

Language diversity in the Federal Republic of Somalia, encompassing dialects such as Maxaa Tiri, Maay, and various minority languages, presents significant challenges in accessing equitable healthcare. Maxaa Tiri's dominance in healthcare communication marginalizes speakers of minority languages, hindering informed consent, accurate diagnoses, and treatment delivery. This exclusion exacerbates health inequities, particularly in rural areas, where minority languages are prevalent. Innovative solutions, such as integrating multilingual support into digital health platforms and training interpreters fluent in minority dialects, are essential for bridging communication gaps. Adopting inclusive national policies, translating key medical documents, and leveraging AI-driven translation technologies can enhance access to quality care for all linguistic groups. Collaborative, community-based approaches and global best practices can further ensure that language barriers do not impede Universal Health Coverage (UHC) objectives in the Federal Republic of Somalia. This commentary advocates for systemic reforms that prioritize language inclusivity, foster equity, and improve health outcomes across the nation.