- Heart disease screening for 119 children has taken place in Mogadishu, led by Italian doctors Dr Marianeschi Stefano and Dr Scansani Silvia and sponsored by Hormuud Salaam Foundation, Somalia’s first corporate foundation.
- The link between malnutrition and paediatric heart failure makes this intervention crucial as Somalia grapples with food insecurity.
- As a result of the medial evaluations, 80% of the children require heart surgery, and most of them will be sent to Italy for life-changing operations in coming months.
Mogadishu, Somalia – In response to Somalia’s pressing healthcare needs, the Hormuud Salaam Foundation (HSF), in a collaborative effort with Mrs Edna Moallin Abdirahman , from Milano, Italy and Italian medical experts, conducted a two-day screening for children with heart disease at Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu on November 25th and 26th.
This life-changing initiative is vital given over 6,000 babies with a congenital heart defect are born annually in Somalia, yet many cases remain untreated. Moreover, 1.8 million Somali children under five face acute malnutrition, which is linked to an increased risk of heart failure.
As the country faces widespread food insecurity due to an ongoing battle against drought and flooding, HSF’s intervention is a lifeline for at-risk children.
Abdullahi Osman, CEO of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, comments:
“In the heart of Mogadishu, we’re carrying the torch for hope and healing. The significant turnout at the screening signals the critical need for specialised healthcare services in Somalia.
“We are steadfast in our resolve to address this pressing issue, especially for the wellbeing of our children. They are the pillars of Somalia’s future. Our efforts are aimed at forging a Somalia where access to healthcare for every child is a reality, not a privilege.”
A total of 119 children with heart conditions received expert medical evaluations, which found that 80% of these brave children require heart surgery. This sets the stage for potential life-saving surgeries in Italy in coming months, supported by HSF. Most of the 119 will be sent to Italy for medical procedures to save their young lives and give them a second chance at life.
Dr Marianeschi Stefano, one of the Italian doctors said:
“As medical practitioners, it’s both a privilege and a responsibility to bring our expertise to regions where healthcare resources are scarce. Witnessing the resilience of these children facing heart conditions amidst challenging circumstances is humbling. The collaboration with Hormuud Salaam Foundation underscores the importance of global partnerships in ensuring access to specialised care.”
HSF’s initiative is timely, considering WHO data indicating children with heart conditions often require more specialised care, which is less likely to be accessible in developing nations. In Somalia, public healthcare infrastructure is nascent, with less than 30% of the population having access to health services.
As preparations begin to facilitate the travel and treatment of these children in Italy, HSF extends its gratitude to all volunteers, donors, and partners who made this event possible and continues to seek support for its ongoing and future healthcare initiatives.
Abdi Hassan Ali, from La Anod, Somalia, whose son underwent heart surgery in Italy last year said:
“My son underwent heart surgery at Niguarda Hospital in Milano Italy by Dr Marianeschi Stefano, today we came for check-up, and he is fine.
“I am pleased that Dr Marianeschi Stefano is in Mogadishu today and screening Somali children with heart diseases and I wish all other children to get same opportunity of my son. I thank to Hormuud Salaam Foundation, Mrs Edna Moallin Abdirahman and Dr Mariqneschi Stefano for giving life-changing operation for my son.”
This program is part of HSF’s wider efforts to improve accessibility of healthcare and boost local expertise on specialised care, By fostering a reciprocal sharing of knowledge and expertise with our Italian counterparts.