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Twenty-four Somali children are back home after receiving life-saving heart surgeries at Niguarda Hospital in Milan, in what has been described as a powerful example of humanitarian cooperation between Somalia and Italy. For many of the children and their families, the surgeries marked a second chance at life, offering hope where specialized treatment had not been available locally.
The medical care was delivered through a program coordinated by the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, which has worked closely with Italian health institutions and authorities to make the treatment possible. On Saturday, the foundation held an appreciation ceremony in Mogadishu to recognize the medical professionals, diplomats, and partners whose combined efforts ensured the children received the urgent care they needed.
At the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to key individuals who played major roles in the program. Among them were Prof. Stefano Marianeschi and Dr. Stefano Mazzoleni of Niguarda Hospital, Italy’s ambassador to Somalia, Piere Dacco, and Somali humanitarian advocate Edna Moallin Abdirahman, who initiated the project. The recognition highlighted their commitment to delivering specialized heart care that is currently unavailable within Somalia’s healthcare system.
The event brought together senior Somali government officials, led by Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibriil Xaaji Abdirashiid Cabdi. Ministers, members of parliament, medical professionals, representatives of the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the children and their families, and members of the Italian medical team were also in attendance. The gathering served not only as a celebration of successful surgeries but also as a moment of gratitude and reflection on the importance of international medical partnerships.
Abdullahi Nur Osman, the chief executive of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, praised Prof. Marianeschi for his long-standing dedication to treating Somali children with heart conditions. He also credited Edna Moallin Abdirahman for launching the initiative and thanked the Italian Embassy in Somalia for helping with visas and travel arrangements. Osman further acknowledged SIMAN and Welcare hospitals for their coordination efforts, as well as Somalia’s Ministry of Health for providing administrative support throughout the process.
Former Banadir regional governor Yusuf Hussein Jimcaale Madaale described the program as a critical intervention that saved the lives of vulnerable children who would otherwise have had limited treatment options. Edna Moallin Abdirahman emphasized the strong partnership between Hormuud Salaam Foundation, Italy’s Lombardy regional authorities, and Niguarda Hospital, noting that collaboration had been the key to the program’s success.
Speaking on behalf of the Italian medical team, Prof. Marianeschi said he remains deeply committed to continuing medical support for Somali children in need. He described the Hormuud Salaam Foundation as the backbone of the initiative, stressing that without its coordination and support, the mission would not have been possible.
Ambassador Dacco reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation with Somalia, while State Minister of Health Maryan Mohamed Hussein highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries. She expressed appreciation to Italian medical institutions for consistently supporting Somali patients who require specialized treatment abroad.
Deputy Prime Minister Cabdi said the program had transformed the lives of the children and their families, calling it a clear example of what can be achieved through unity and shared responsibility. He thanked the Italian government, the medical team, Hormuud Salaam Foundation, and Edna Moallin Abdirahman for their collective efforts.
The event concluded with the announcement that the Italian medical team had screened an additional 55 Somali children during their visit. Those diagnosed with serious heart conditions and other pediatric illnesses are expected to receive treatment in Italy in 2026. The medical mission is mainly funded by Italy’s Lombardy regional government, which covers hospital and surgical costs, while the Hormuud Salaam Foundation supports travel, supplies, and living expenses for the children and their families during treatment abroad.