Mogadishu, Somalia – June 15, 2026 – A week of specialized pediatric surgeries in Mogadishu has closed with what Hormuud Salaam Foundation says are life-changing results for Somali children born with complex urological and reproductive system conditions.
The first phase of the campaign ran from June 7 to June 13, 2026, at Siman Hospital and was funded by Hormuud Salaam Foundation (HSF). The initiative was designed to give Somali families access to advanced pediatric surgical care without the financial strain and travel hurdles that often push treatment beyond the country’s borders. Eligible patients received all services free of charge.
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The program was launched amid a clear need for more specialized pediatric surgery in Somalia, especially in the fields of pediatric urology and genital surgery. With limited treatment capacity at home, many families have long faced the prospect of seeking care abroad, along with the costs of flights, lodging, examinations, surgery, and aftercare.
To make the campaign possible, Hormuud Salaam Foundation worked with Ms. Edna Moalim Abdirahman, a Somali humanitarian based in Milan, Italy, to bring three senior specialists from the Pediatric Surgery Department of Niguarda Hospital in Milan to Mogadishu.
The delegation included Dr. Francesco Macchini, Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department; Dr. Stefano Mazzoleni, Pediatric Surgeon; and Dr. Sergio Cereghini, Anesthesiologist and Pediatric Intensive Care Specialist.
Over the course of the campaign, the team carried out detailed evaluations for 100 children. Thirty had already been assessed previously, while 70 were examined for the first time during this phase. After the screenings, 15 children underwent specialized operations conducted over four days.
Some of the procedures were described as highly complex, demanding extended operating time, advanced surgical skill, and close coordination among medical staff. For the children and families involved, the impact went beyond the operating room, offering relief, dignity and a chance at a healthier future that would have been difficult to secure otherwise.
Commenting on the completion of the campaign, Abdullahi Nur Osman, CEO of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, called the effort a significant step toward widening access to specialized care in Somalia.
“Today marks the successful completion of the first phase of a specialized surgical campaign dedicated to children suffering from urological disorders, congenital abnormalities of the reproductive system, and other complex developmental conditions,” said Abdullahi Nur Osman.
“We evaluated 100 children and successfully performed specialized surgeries on 15 children over the final four days of the program. Several of these procedures were exceptionally complex, requiring prolonged operating times, advanced surgical expertise, and meticulous multidisciplinary care. Beyond their clinical significance, these operations have restored hope, dignity, and the promise of a healthier future for the children and families they serve.”
Mr. Osman said the program was meant to ease the pressure on vulnerable households and make advanced treatment more accessible inside Somalia.
“Many Somali families face significant barriers in accessing highly specialized medical care. This initiative is intended to bring those services closer to patients and reduce the financial burden that often accompanies treatment abroad.”
Families traveled from across Somalia to Siman Hospital for consultations, assessments and treatment. Registration opened several days before the Italian medical team arrived, giving families time to secure appointments for their children. During the campaign, hospital staff managed intake, screenings, evaluations and preparations for surgery.
A Siman Hospital representative said the partnership delivered immediate benefits to patients while also allowing Somali healthcare workers to learn from visiting specialists.
“These partnerships help expand access to care while supporting the development of specialized medical expertise within Somalia,” the representative said.
Hormuud Salaam Foundation thanked the Italian medical team for its professionalism and humanitarian commitment, and also acknowledged Siman Hospital and the healthcare workers who supported the campaign from start to finish.
The completion of this first phase marks an important milestone for Hormuud Salaam Foundation, Siman Hospital and the families whose children received treatment. By backing the initiative and enabling international medical cooperation, HSF helped deliver vital care to vulnerable children and underscored the role charitable groups can play in expanding specialized healthcare in Somalia.
The campaign also highlighted a broader truth: with the right partnerships, expertise and determination, children with serious medical conditions can receive treatment closer to home.
About Hormuud Salaam Foundation
Hormuud Salaam Foundation (HSF) is the charitable arm of Hormuud Telecom dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable communities across Somalia through investments in healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance, and social development initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven programs, HSF works to expand access to essential services and create lasting positive impact across the country.
