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Ayaan Hassan, a Somali-born Swedish midwife, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Medical Mission’s Kindness Award for her remarkable contributions to maternal healthcare in Somaliland. For the past eight years, she has dedicated her time, resources, and expertise to training midwives and healthcare workers in Gabiley, significantly improving childbirth outcomes in the region.
Having specialized in midwifery and women’s health in Sweden, Hassan felt a deep responsibility to use her knowledge to help mothers and newborns in her homeland. During her visits to Somaliland, she was confronted with the harsh realities of inadequate maternal healthcare, where preventable childbirth complications often led to tragic outcomes. Determined to make a difference, she began traveling to Somaliland every year at her own expense, dedicating a month to training local midwives and equipping them with life-saving skills.
Recognizing the urgent need for professional development, Hassan focused on addressing common but dangerous complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and obstructed labor. Without adequate medical infrastructure, many midwives lacked the necessary training to handle emergencies, leading to high maternal and infant mortality rates. Through her initiative, she empowered dozens of healthcare workers with critical medical knowledge, many of whom have since pursued further education and are now making a significant impact in their communities.
In 2017, her efforts received official backing when she approached Gabiley’s mayor, Mohamed, for support. Acknowledging the importance of her mission, local authorities agreed to provide security, accommodation, and logistical assistance, allowing her to expand her work and ensure the sustainability of the project. Over time, what started as a personal initiative transformed into a structured program, with local healthcare providers playing an active role in improving maternal care standards across the region.
Hassan’s dedication did not go unnoticed, and her contributions earned her the 2025 Medical Mission’s Kindness Award, which recognizes individuals making a profound impact in global healthcare. The award came with a $3,000 cash prize, which she has pledged to reinvest in supporting Gabiley’s midwives. Her plan includes providing professional uniforms for midwives, reinforcing their crucial role in maternal healthcare, and ensuring they have the resources needed to carry out their work effectively.
Reflecting on the progress made over the past eight years, Hassan expressed immense pride in seeing the tangible results of her efforts. Many of the women she initially trained now work in hospitals, while others have taken on teaching roles at universities, further spreading knowledge and expertise in maternal health. Some of her former trainees have personally reached out to express gratitude, sharing stories of how her lessons have helped them save lives.
“When I visit Gabiley, I see the change firsthand,” Hassan stated. “The women I trained are now leading healthcare efforts, and that’s the most rewarding part of this journey.”
Her story serves as an inspiration to Somali professionals in the diaspora, urging them to contribute their skills and knowledge to uplift communities in need. The Swedish humanitarian organization Läkarmissionen, which granted her the award, praised her unwavering commitment to maternal and child healthcare in Somaliland.
“Ayaan Hassan is a remarkable individual. Despite limited resources, she has dedicated herself to advancing maternal and child health in Somalia. Her efforts have saved lives and inspired others to contribute,” the organization stated.
As she continues her work, Hassan remains focused on expanding training opportunities, advocating for better healthcare policies, and ensuring that midwives in Somaliland receive the recognition and support they deserve. Her mission highlights the power of individual action in transforming lives and strengthening healthcare systems, proving that one person’s dedication can create lasting change.