In selecting DAN for the Health Impact Award, STARS particularly recognises its proven track record for essential service provision, flexibility and inclusion in responding to its beneficiaries.

Delivery of critical medical rehabilitation is DAN’s first priority. About 30% of clients are children living with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, club foot, poliomylitis, traumatology and developmental problems. The orthopaedic appliances provided include orthoses, orthopaedic shoes, house adaptation devices, wheelchairs and crutches. The physiotherapy service offers care to prevent, correct or reduce the severity of children’s disabilities by means of therapeutic exercises, massage and electrotherapy.

Key to enhancing the performance and accessibility of DAN’s services is its flexibility. DAN organises consultation sessions with parents of children with disabilities and carries out client satisfaction surveys in order to integrate their feedback in strategic planning.

Despite the obstacles DAN faces, the organisation continues to prioritise the integration of disabled people into Somaliland society. This extends to employing disabled people and promoting the employment of qualified disabled people by other organisations. DAN also ensures that its staff is balanced in terms of age, gender and skills. The diversity of its staff reflects DAN’s commitment to serve all sectors of society whether urban or nomadic, poor or wealthy, to increase mobility and open up opportunities for all.