AUSSOM Sector 5 troops hold medical camp for Hirshabelle communities

Jowhar, 07 April 2026 – Troops from the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) set up a medical camp in Jowhar today, bringing care directly to Hirshabelle communities as part of a drive to deepen ties through humanitarian action.

The outreach at Jowhar Airfield provided medical services to people living in the Towfik Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and residents of nearby villages.

Medical staff from AUSSOM’s Burundian contingent staffed the Level 1 hospital and examined at least 20 patients, treating women, children and elderly people for a range of conditions — a sign of the mission’s focus on populations with limited healthcare access.

Capt. Dr. Onesime Nsavyumukama, Medical Chief for Sector 5, stressed the immediate value of the visit in meeting pressing healthcare needs.

“The purpose of this outreach is to help the families [who] are not able to go in consultation by [doctors] because they don’t have enough money,” Capt. Dr. Nsavyumukama said.

“Each day, we receive 20 patients, including elderly individuals, children, and women, all of whom are vulnerable. We treat many cases, including infections, malnutrition, high blood pressure, and others.”

He urged community members to seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications and speed recovery.

The mission also emphasised preventive care during the event, strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and fostering trust between AUSSOM personnel and local residents.

“Our medical help builds the relationship between our military and the local community [in the form] of CIMIC, and we give them our help,” said Capt. Dr. Nsavyumukama.

Recipients of the services voiced their appreciation for the assistance.

Shukri Ibrahim Mohamed, a mother of four from Towfik IDP camp, described the care her child received.

“We were received well by the doctors. My child received good treatment. The Burundian medical team regularly supports the community whenever needed, and I am grateful for their unwavering assistance,” said Mohamed.

As AUSSOM continues operations across Somalia, its medical outreach underscores the mission’s combined focus on security and humanitarian support.

The Jowhar clinic is one of several steps AUSSOM is taking to improve health outcomes and assist vulnerable groups in Middle Shabelle.

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