The Forgotten Islands

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “island”? Tourism, perhaps?

This is not a story about tourism.

In Somalia’s Lower Juba region, there are around nine islands surrounded by pristine waters and beautiful white-sand beaches. The islands are home to communities who have lived there for generations, blessed with lands of striking natural beauty. Yet behind that beauty lies a stark paradox: the people who call these islands home lack many of the basic necessities of life, including clean water, sanitation, education, and healthcare.

For many residents, access to clean water remains a daily struggle. Families rely on water collected and stored during the rainy season, but these supplies often run dry during the long dry periods. Contaminated water also contributes to waterborne diseases, while the limited availability of healthcare makes even common illnesses difficult to treat.

Healthcare is particularly challenging for women and children. The few medical facilities on the islands are unable to meet the needs of the communities they serve. When a woman goes into labor and requires urgent medical attention, she may have to travel by boat for up to four hours to reach the nearest health facility in Kismayo. In an emergency, such a journey can mean the difference between life and death for both mother and child.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. It is a reality that island communities face repeatedly.

Education is another struggle. Small classrooms serve children who often sit on bare floors because there are not enough desks or other basic school supplies. For children growing up in these isolated communities, attending school itself can be a challenge, and the lack of basic resources adds another barrier to their education.

The islands are also difficult to reach. Residents depend largely on small boats that can be vulnerable to strong winds and rough seas. The difficult journey, combined with limited transport options, has left these communities largely disconnected from the rest of Somalia.

From a distance, the islands appear idyllic—white beaches, turquoise waters and lush vegetation. But beyond the postcard-like scenery are communities living with isolation, limited services and daily uncertainty.

These are the forgotten islands.