Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
In a landmark achievement for the healthcare system of Somalia the Hormuud Salaam Foundation (HSF), in collaboration with Italian doctors and local partners, successfully conducted the first-ever open-heart surgeries for children within the country. The groundbreaking procedures took place on January 25, 2025, at Kalkaal Hospital in Mogadishu’s Yaaqshiid district, marking a significant step forward in addressing congenital heart defects (CHD) among Somali children.
The surgeries were performed on two young patients, 15-year-old Zakariye Abdulkadir and 12-year-old Maida Moalin Tuure, by a team of medical experts led by renowned Italian cardiologist Prof. Stefano Maria Marianeschi. The team included Somali and Ethiopian doctors, as well as support from Welcare Hospital and philanthropist Mrs. Edna Abdirahman, who resides in Milan, Italy. This collaborative effort highlights the potential for international partnerships to transform healthcare in Somalia, where approximately 6,000 infants are born with congenital heart defects each year.
For decades, Somali children with heart conditions have faced immense challenges due to the lack of advanced medical facilities and expertise within the country. Many families were forced to seek treatment abroad, often at great financial and emotional cost. This initiative not only addresses a critical gap in pediatric healthcare but also reduces the need for costly and logistically complex medical referrals overseas.
Somalia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Aden, hailed the achievement as a turning point for the nation’s healthcare system. “This is a monumental achievement for Somalia. Where once patients had to travel abroad for urgent care, we are now witnessing the availability of advanced medical procedures right here at home,” he said during the launch event.
The Hormuud Salaam Foundation, a leading philanthropic organization in Somalia, has been instrumental in driving this initiative. Last year, HSF sponsored eight Somali children to undergo heart surgery in Italy. This year, the Foundation brought the expertise to Somalia, demonstrating its commitment to building local capacity and ensuring sustainable healthcare solutions.
Abdullahi Nur Osman, CEO of HSF, emphasized the importance of collaboration in making the initiative a success. “This is just the beginning of a broader effort to ensure that Somali children have access to the healthcare they deserve,” he said. “We are proud to partner with international experts and local institutions to bring life-saving care to our people.”
Dr. Asseyer, Director of Welcare Hospital, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to build on this success. “When we start something good, we must expand it. Today’s surgeries are proof that Somalia can deliver world-class healthcare with the right partnerships,” he said.
The event was attended by government officials, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, all of whom praised the initiative as a testament to Somalia’s resilience and potential. The Minister of Health highlighted the availability of six pieces of vital surgical equipment in Mogadishu, which will support future medical advancements.
Prof. Stefano Maria Marianeschi, who led the surgical team, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Somalia’s healthcare transformation. “This has been a privilege. We are grateful to all the partners who made this possible, and we look forward to further collaboration to improve healthcare access for Somali children,” he said.
The Yaaqshiid District Commissioner, Suleiman Fargah, also commended the initiative, thanking all stakeholders for their contributions. He called for continued investment in healthcare to ensure that lifesaving services are accessible to all Somalis.
This historic achievement is part of HSF’s broader mission to provide free, critical services to the Somali community, from supporting hospitals to disaster relief efforts. With this milestone, the Foundation aims to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that no Somali child is left behind in accessing essential medical care.
As Somalia continues to rebuild and strengthen its healthcare system, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collaboration, innovation, and determination in overcoming challenges and saving lives.