MOGADISHU, Somalia – In what can only be described as a monumental leap forward in Somali healthcare, the Hormuud Salaam Foundation (HSF) has astoundingly pulled off the unimaginable: orchestrating the country’s first-ever open-heart surgeries for its littlest citizens. With Italian cardiac superstar Prof. Stefano Maria Marianeschi and a seasoned team of doctors from Somalia and Ethiopia holding the scalpel, this landmark event unfolded on January 25, 2025, at Mogadishu’s own Kalkaal Hospital. It was more than just surgery; it was a beacon of hope glimmering amid the familiar tales of struggle in addressing congenital heart defects (CHD).
Young Zakariye Abdulkadir, all of 15 winters, and the spirited 12-year-old Maida Moalin Tuure had their tiny yet brave hearts mended in a feat that seemed almost unimaginable until now. It was a symphony of modern medicine and compassion, performed with a deft hand by Prof. Marianeschi and his inspired team, supported from afar by Mrs. Edna Abdirahman, a philanthropist looking over from Milan with palpable pride.
Picture this: over 6,000 newborns in Somalia each year bravely make their debut with congenital heart defects, but face a landscape starkly devoid of the care they so desperately need. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, isn’t it? That’s where this initiative, a shining new horizon, steps in to serve not just hearts but hopes—aiming to build bridges over once insurmountable barriers.
“It’s like a dream come true,” remarked Dr. Ali Haji Aden, Somalia’s Health Minister, with an air of palpable excitement. “We’ve turned a new leaf in Somalia’s health narrative. No longer do our citizens have to traverse the globe for urgency-bound healthcare; we’re making headlines right here at home.”
Taking a moment to reflect on the stirring sense of possibility, HSF’s CEO, Abdullahi Nur Osman, shared his heartfelt enthusiasm, mentioning how the collective endeavor was a tapestry woven by many dedicated hands. “Just a year ago, we saw eight Somali children catch a flight over to Italy for heart surgeries. This year, we’re writing a different story—a story that begins right here, hospital hallways echoing with change.”
Dr. Asseyer, stirring the hope pot a little more, emphasized the significance of this venture as a springboard. “Start something extraordinary, and let it blossom. These surgeries are clear testament to how boundless healthcare can be when partnerships hold fast and true,” he said, brimming with optimism.
The launch isn’t just a curtain call; it’s the opening night of a long-running show on the road to self-sufficiency. In front of a gathering of government figures, with the Health Minister’s approving nod, one thing became clear: they were rewriting the rulebook. With the introduction of six pivotal surgical tools in Mogadishu, dependence on emergency planes to far-off lands is finally giving way to the swift tread of local medical advancements.
In a bold statement, Osman conveyed the Foundation’s unwavering resolve to not only sustain but to amplify such programs. “We refuse to let Somali children’s struggles drown in silence. Hormuud Salaam Foundation will steadfastly champion healthcare initiatives that echo through time, saving lives in the heart of our communities.”
Prof. Marianeschi, visibly energized, hailed the venture as a milestone of collaboration and dedication. “It’s been a joyful quest, healing hearts right here in Somalia,” he noted, looking forward to scripting further chapters in this healthcare saga. The gratitude was palpable among all partners, promising an ongoing alliance to champion children’s health in the Horn of Africa.
Yaaqshiid District Commissioner Suleiman Fargah, his demeanor reflecting the pride of the Somali people, applauded the initiative, pouring tributes to Mrs. Edna Abdirahman and other behind-the-scenes architects. His appeal for expanded healthcare investment struck a chord—the collective desire being a tomorrow where life-saving services are but a breath away for every Somali.
The Hormuud Salaam Foundation, already a household name with its commendable endeavors ranging from hospital support to disaster relief, is now ready to stretch its influence further. With this milestone achievement, it’s not just about overcoming challenges but ensuring that no Somali child misses the joy of a healthy heartbeat.
Report By Axadle
