Language: Somali

Woman in Somali traditional dress, with a Somali flag

Somali Resources Full List

Woman in Somali traditional dress, with a Somali flag

UW = UW Medicine Resource

* = External Resource

Aging and Elderly Care | Gabowga iyo daryeelka dadka waayeelka ah 

Caregiver Support and Resources | Taageerada iyo kheyraadka daryeel-bixiyeyaasha

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease | Hilmaanka maskaxda (Dementia) iyo Cudurka Alzheimer’s

End-of-Life and Palliative Care | Daryeelka dhammaadka nolosha iyo daryeelka nafisinta xanuunka 

Healthy Aging and Lifestyle | Gabow caafimaad leh iyo qaab nololeed

Cultural and Spiritual Health | Caafimaadka dhaqanka iyo ruuxiga

Incorporating Traditional Healing Practices with Modern Medicine |

Clinical Instructions | Tilmaamaha caafimaad

Tests and Procedures | Baaritaannada iyo habraacyada caafimaadka

Chronic Disease | Cudur daba-dheer

Cancer | Kansarka

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) | Cudurrada wadnaha iyo xididdada dhiigga

Chronic Respiratory Diseases | Cudurka neef‑mareenka ee daba‑dheeraada 

Diabetes (Type 1 & 2) | Sonkorow/macaan

Hypertension | Cadaadiska Dhiig Sarreeya

Stroke | Faalig

Environmental Health, Occupational Health, Public Safety | Caafimaadka deegaanka, caafimaadka shaqada, iyo badbaadada dadweynaha

Air Quality and Pollution | Tayada hawada iyo wasakhowga hawada

Disasters | Masiibooyin

Heat Advisories and shelters | Digniinta kulaylka iyo hoyga magangalka

Lead Poisoning Prevention | Ka hortagga sumowga rasaasta

Occupational Health | Caafimaadka shaqada

Pesticides and Household Chemicals | Sunta cayayaanka iyo kiimikooyinka guriga

Healthcare Access and Navigation |

Access to Interpreters and Translation Services | Helitaanka turjubaanada iyo adeegyada turjumaadda 

Medications | Daawooyin

Navigation | Hagitaan

Understanding Healthcare Rights and Responsibilities | Fahamka xuquuqda iyo waajibaadka daryeelka caafimaadka

Refugee Health | Caafimaadka qaxootiga

Understanding Medical Bills and Financial Aid | Fahamka biilasha caafimaadka iyo kaalmada maaliyadeed

Infectious Disease |  Cudurrada faafa

Hepatitis B and C | Cagaarshowga B & C

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases | Cudurrada laga hortagi karo tallaalka

Tuberculosis (TB) | Cudurka qaaxda (TB)

HIV/AIDS | HIV

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | Caabuqyada Galmada La Kala Qaado

Respiratory Infections | Caabuqyada neef‑mareenka 

Injury Prevention and Public Safety | Ka hortagga dhaawacyada iyo badbaadada dadweynaha

Domestic Violence Prevention | Ka hortagga rabshadaha qoyska

Emergency Preparedness | U diyaargarowga xaaladaha degdegga ah

General Injury Prevention | Ka hortagga dhaawacyada guud

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | Daaweynta jireed iyo baxnaaninta 

Road Traffic Safety | Badbaadada taraafikada waddooyinka

Mental Health | Caafimaadka maskaxda

Anxiety | Welwel

Autism | Autismka

Depression | Niyad‑jab

General Menta Health | Caafimaadka maskaxda guud

Grief | Murugo

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma |

Suicidal Ideation and Prevention | Fikirrada is‑dilka iyo ka hortaggooda

Maternal and Child Health | Caafimaadka hooyada iyo carruurta

Immunizations and vaccine schedules | Tallaallada iyo jadwalka tallaalka

Labor & Delivery | Foosha iyo dhalmada

Maternal and Child Nutrition | Nafaqada hooyada iyo carruurta

Maternal Safety (Urgent warning signs) | Badbaadada hooyada (calaamadaha digniinta degdegga ah)

Pediatric Care | Daryeelka carruurta

Prenatal Care | Daryeelka ka hor dhalmada

Women’s Health | Caafimaadka haweenka

Nutrition and Food Security | Nafaqada iyo sugnaanta cuntada

Healthy Eating and Dietary Guidelines | Cunto caafimaad leh iyo tilmaamaha nafaqada

Oral Health | Caafimaadka afka

Dental Health for Children and Elderly Populations | Caafimaadka ilkaha ee carruurta iyo dadka waayeelka ah

Preventive Care and Oral Hygiene | Daryeelka ka hortagga iyo nadaafadda afka

Sexual and Gender Minorities | Dadka laga tirada badan yahay ee jinsiga iyo aqoonsiga jinsiga

Community Resources | Kheyraadka bulshada

Transgender Health and Care Access | Caafimaadka dadka transgender‑ka ah iyo helitaanka daryeelka caafimaadka

Sexual and Reproductive Health | Caafimaadka galmada iyo taranka

Family Planning and Contraception | Qorsheynta qoyska iyo ka hortagga uurka

Women’s Heath | Caafimaadka haweenka

Substance Use and Harm Reduction | Isticmaalka maandooriyaha iyo yaraynta waxyeellada

Harm Reduction Strategies | Istaraatiijiyadaha yaraynta waxyeellada

Opioid Use and Overdose Prevention | Isticmaalka opioid‑yada iyo ka hortagga xad‑dhaafka daroogada

Smoking and Tobacco Cessation | Joojinta sigaarka iyo tubaakada

A collage of six health providers, for informational videos

Measles Vaccine PSA Videos – Multilingual Tools for Patient Education

To support providers in addressing rising measles cases, we’ve created a short video PSA available in seven languages commonly spoken in King County and other diverse communities. These videos are designed to be shared with patients and families to increase awareness about measles and the importance of MMR vaccination. Language access includes: English, Arabic, French, Lingala, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, and Ukrainian.

Each video features culturally and linguistically appropriate messaging that addresses common concerns and emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Key message points include:

  • Measles is highly contagious and spreading
  • The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and long-lasting
  • Vaccination protects individuals and the community
  • Free or low-cost vaccines are available

Suggested use for providers:

  • Video playback in waiting areas or exam rooms
  • Share videos during patient appointments
  • Include video links in clinic newsletters or text outreach
  • Use at community health events or vaccine drives

Please share these videos with your community!

English Language Measles Vaccine PSA
Arabic Language Measles Vaccine PSA
French Language Measles Vaccine PSA
Lingala Language Measles Vaccine PSA
Somali Language Measles Vaccine PSA
Spanish Language Measles Vaccine PSA
Swahili Language Measles Vaccine PSA
Ukrainian Language Measles Vaccine PSA

Tuberculosis (TB) Awareness & Prevention Public Service Announcements (multilingual)

About These PSAs

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and can spread to others if left untreated. Many people are unaware that TB exists in two forms: latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. Early screening and treatment can prevent the spread of TB and protect community health.

To ensure that non-English-speaking community members receive accurate information about TB, we have created multilingual public service announcements (PSAs). These short videos provide essential details about TB screening, treatment, and prevention in multiple languages. Health care providers and community organizations are encouraged to share these PSAs with individuals who may be at risk.

What You’ll Learn in These Videos

Each PSA explains;

  • The difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease
  • The importance of TB screening, especially for people from countries where TB is common
  • Recommended TB blood tests, including interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) like QuantiFERON
  • The connection between HIV and TB and why dual screening is important
  • Treatment options for latent TB infection to prevent active TB disease

Encourage Screening & Testing

If you haven’t been screened for TB yet, talk to your primary care doctor or visit a local clinic. If you don’t have a primary care provider, King County Public Health TB program can help you find a place to get tested (HealthPoint, SeaMar, or Neighborcare). Visit the King County Community Health Access program for more assistance.

Taking care of your health starts with knowing your TB status. Together, we can prevent TB and keep our communities healthy!

Share the PSAs in Your Communities Language

We offer these PSAs in multiple languages to serve diverse communities. Click below to watch and share:

ENGLISH- Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center 

LINGALA- Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center 

SWAHILI – Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center

SPANISH – Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center

UKRAINIAN – Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center

SOMALI – Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center

FRENCH – Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center

ARABIC- Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center 

KHMER Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center

HINDI – Tuberculosis Awareness and Prevention PSA – Harborview Medical Center 

This project has been generously supported by the following funders:

TB Elimination Alliance (2023-2024 Mini-Grant Program)
Firland Foundation (2024-2025 Community Grant)

Ramadan Fasting – A Toolkit for Health Providers

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset. During fasting hours, individuals abstain from food, water, and oral medications, which can present unique challenges for medication management and health care.

As healthcare providers, it’s essential to collaborate with patients observing Ramadan to create personalized care plans that honor their spiritual commitments while prioritizing their safety and well-being. A respectful and culturally sensitive approach fosters trust and ensures better health outcomes.

To support health providers, we’ve developed a comprehensive Ramadan Provider Toolkit (see links in the sidebar) featuring :

We encourage you to utilize and share these resources with your healthcare teams and patients to enhance culturally competent care during Ramadan.

Videos for Providers- Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist: Guidance

1. Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist- Ramadan Fasting Preparation
Pharmacist, Tiffany Erickson shares important questions and considerations to discuss with your patients who may be fasting.

2. Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist- Breaking a Ramadan Fast
Pharmacist, Tiffany Erickson talks about high-carb foods and the need to adjust medications and timing. She also addresses hydration and diet and lifestyle changes.

3. Harborview Medical Center Pharmacist- Other Ramadan Considerations
Pharmacist, Tiffany Erickson reminds providers to respect this spiritual time for patients. She also talks about stipend (fidya), as an option for individuals with chronic medical issues.

Videos for Patients – Diabetes Patient Education for Ramadan Fasting
(in English & Somali)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who plan to fast during Ramadan. This is a short English language video.

SOMALI LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who plan to fast during Ramadan. This is a short SOMALI LANGUAGE video.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who are fasting during Ramadan. This quick English language video discusses the symptoms of hypoglycemia and suggested steps to take.

SOMALI LANGUAGE: Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow shares patient education for diabetic individuals who are fasting during Ramadan. This quick English language video discusses the symptoms of hypoglycemia and suggested steps to take.

Provider Education Video – Ramadan Fasting Terms to be Familiar With

Somali Caseworker Cultural Mediator at Harborview Medical Center –
Omar Abow explains key terms to help healthcare providers better support Muslim patients who fast during Ramadan. Learn how cultural understanding can improve patient care, medication management, and communication during fasting.

Health Provider Guidance for Ramadan- this printable PDF (LINK) covers several medication management consideration for health providers. Please print and share with your health provider team.

We partnered with Othello Station Pharmacies and created a social media slideshow for health providers. A link to the reel in the sidebar, please download and share on your social channels.

Here is a PDF for your health clinic with links to the video collection, please download and share!

Somali woman smiling

My Body: Human Reproductive Anatomy

Somali woman smiling
Photo by United Nations Photo (cc license).

This booklet in Somali and English uses simple illustrations and basic definitions to describe male and female reproductive anatomy (PDF in sidebar). This booklet originated with requests from the Somali community and the health care providers who serve them for Somali-language education materials on human reproductive anatomy.

The objective in creating this booklet is to support culturally competent medical care for the Somali community and to empower the Somali community in the process. This book is intended for use by health care providers and health educators with their Somali patients or clients.  This booklet was created by clinical and public health staff and reviewed by both Somali and non- Somali physicians, as well as a Somali religious leader. According to Islam, discussing human reproductive anatomy is allowed as long as it is for educational purposes (Quran Chapter, 2 verse 223).

This booklet was produced by WellShare International with funding from the Minnesota Department of Health Family Planning Special Project.

Winter – Cold Weather and Power Outage Safety

Winter brings cold temperatures, snow, freezing rain, and high winds. When rain freezes, ice weighs down trees and power lines, this can lead to power outages (see below for multi-language fact sheets).

Photo by Brett Sayles (cc license)

During a winter storm

Washington Department of Health tips:

  • Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear mittens rather than gloves. Wear a warm, woolen cap.
  • Do not drive unnecessarily.
  • Reduce the temperature in your home to conserve fuel.
  • Heat only the areas of your home you are using. Close doors and curtains or cover windows and doors with blankets.
  • Use alternative heat methods safely. Never use a gas or charcoal grill, hibachi or portable propane heater to cook indoors or heat your home.
  • Never use a generator indoors or in a garage or carport.
  • Be careful when shoveling snow. Do not overexert yourself.
  • Be sure to eat regularly. Food provides calories that maintain body heat.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia — slurred speech, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
  • If you become trapped outside, get out of the wind and stay dry. Build a lean-to or snow cave if nothing else is available. Do not eat snow; it will make you too cold.

If in your vehicle

  • Make sure someone knows where you are going. Stay on the main roads.
  • If you must stop, remain inside the vehicle. Use a bright distress flag or your hazard lights to draw attention to your vehicle.
  • If trapped in a blizzard, clear your tail pipe and run your engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Open your window slightly.
  • During night hours, keep the dome light on in the car so rescue crews can see your vehicle.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food that can be eaten without being cooked. Include a blanket or sleeping bag for each passenger, a flashlight, cell phone, shovel, sack of sand or kitty litter, booster cables, flare, coffee can with lid, and toilet paper.

PDF tip sheets in other languages: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Ukrainian, Vietnamese

What should I do if I see damaged or downed power lines?

Department of Health Seattle & King County:

  • Don’t get near any fallen or sagging power line!
  • Call the utility company about the line
    (Seattle area residents: 206-684-7400, other King County residents: 1-888-225-5773).

If you have a power outage, safe ways to stay warm

  • Find places where you can go to get warm, such as the home of friends and family whose homes have power.
  • Wear several layers of light weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear hats, mittens, and blankets indoors.
  • Close curtains and cover windows and doors with blankets. Everyone should try to stay together in one room, with the door closed, to keep in body heat.

Prevent poisoning from carbon monoxide

  • If you don’t have electricity, only use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and vents.
  • NEVER use a generator indoors, in garages or carports
  • NEVER cook or heat indoors with a charcoal or gas grill 

Help Others

Q&A RSV, flu and COVID in King County: What should I know?

In the Fall and Winter months there is often a rise in respiratory viruses. This Fall (2022) there have been many RSV and flu cases requiring emergency room visits – especially for young children. Health clinics might also see more COVID cases and hospitalizations in the winter as people gather indoors and new COVID variants spread. These diseases can make young children, older adults, and other vulnerable people very sick, and overload hospitals and clinics.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that spreads every winter. Anyone can get RSV, but in 2022 we’re seeing a lot of cases in young children. For healthy adults and older children RSV can feel like a cold, with symptoms like runny nose, less appetite, coughing, and fever. But it can be a very serious illness for babies, older adults, and others.

The Seattle and King County Department of Public Health has put together an informative slide deck in eighteen languages. The deck Includes information about RSV, flu and COVID in King County, what to look for and how to prevent illness.

These slides can be shared in waiting rooms, at community centers, and in other places where people gather. Slides are available in the following languages:
• አማርኛ (Amharic)
• العربية (Arabic)
• 简体字 (Chinese – Simplified)
• 繁體字 (Chinese – Traditional)
• دری (Dari)
• English
• Français (French)
• 日本語 (Japanese)
• ភាសាខ្មែរ (Khmer)
• 한국어 (Korean)
• KajinM̧ajeļ (Marshallese)
• ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
• Русский (Russian)
• Af Soomaali (Somali)
• Español (Spanish)
• Wikang Tagalog/Filipino (Tagalog/Filipino)
• ትግርኛ (Tigrinya)
• Українська (Ukrainian)
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Sscreenshot from FIT Instructional Video

FIT Instructional Videos

Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but it is preventable with screening. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is the most used stool test for colon cancer screening. These videos demonstrate how to properly use a FIT kit to collect a stool sample for colon cancer screening. They are available in Arabic, Cantonese, English, Khmer (Cambodian), Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.
* It is recommended that adults begin screening for colon cancer age 45 (previously age 50).

A PDF document containing QR Codes that link directly to each video is provided in the sidebar.

Demonstration: Dr. Rachel Issaka
Videography: Dr. Carey Jackson
Arabic Interpreter: Joseph Tawadros
Cantonese & Vietnamese Interpreter: Lien T. La
Khmer Interpreter: Jeniffer Huong
Russian Interpreter: Oleg Gouts
Somali Interpreter: Mohamed Hashi
Spanish Interpreter: Araceli Gonzalez-Medel


Screenshot from Viral Swab Instructional Video

Viral Swab Instructional Videos

These instructional videos were created to help explain the viral swab procedure to patients presenting with coronavirus symptoms at Harborview Medical Center. The videos were created with interpreters and hospital staff who walk the patients through the nose-swab testing, and offer post-visit information. The videos are available in 7 languages: English interpreted into Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, Oromo, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Each video has an accompanying easy-to-scan QR code. If the patient wants to review the video once they are back home, they can scan the QR code which will automatically take them to the video on YouTube. QR code pdfs are available for download under each video, and are also found in the sidebar.

Download Amharic QR code PDF
Download Arabic QR code PDF
Download Cantonese QR code PDF
Download Oromo QR code PDF
Download Somali QR code PDF
Download Spanish QR code PDF
Download Vietnamese QR code PDF

2025 Diabetes Calendars

These are thirteen and fifteen month calendars with photos and information about healthy eating and diabetes.

They are provided in Arabic, Khmer (Cambodian), Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese. All calendars also include English. See sidebar for PDFs for FREE downloadable files. Amharic (Ethiopian), and Tigrinya will be posted soon.

We encourage you to download and share with your communities!

Print on both sides of paper (flip paper on long edge) and fold to make calendar.

Video promotion for the 2024 Diabetes Calendars
The FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

Using Traditional Medicines

This handout created by Harborview Medical Center addresses the use of traditional medicines, encouraging patients to discuss them with their doctor and pharmacist. It goes on to explain reasons why this is important.

The handout translated into a number of languages and each PDF includes both target language and English. Languages include: Arabic, Khmer (Cambodian), Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Audio narration is also available in each language.

PDFs and audio files are accessible in the sidebar.

These materials were funded by .

The FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
The FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine. Photo by Anthony Tong Lee (cc license).
Diabetes Bracelets

What Is Diabetes?

These materials were developed at Harborview Medical Center (Seattle, WA) for use in a multicultural diabetes class for patients and family members. The materials were translated into a number of languages and each PDF includes both target language and English. Languages include: Arabic, Khmer (Cambodian), Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Audio narration is also available in each language.

PDFs and audio files are accessible in sidebar.

Updates to materials were funded by .

Diabetes Bracelets
Photo by Bradley Johnson (cc license).