Hormuud Salaam Foundation (HSF) has successfully concluded the first phase of a specialized pediatric surgery campaign that provided life-changing medical support to Somali children suffering from urological disorders, congenital abnormalities of the reproductive system, and other complex developmental conditions.
The week-long initiative was conducted at Siman Hospital in Mogadishu from June 7 to June 13, 2026. Sponsored by Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the campaign aimed to bring advanced pediatric surgical care closer to families who often face significant financial and logistical challenges in accessing specialized treatment. All services provided under the program were offered free of charge to eligible patients.
The initiative was launched in response to the urgent need for specialized pediatric surgical services in Somalia, particularly in pediatric urology and genital surgery. These services remain limited in the country, forcing many families to seek treatment abroad. For vulnerable families, overseas medical care often comes with overwhelming costs, including travel, accommodation, medical examinations, surgery, and post-operative care.
To support the campaign, the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, together with Ms. Edna Moalim Abdirahman, a Somali humanitarian based in Milan, Italy, facilitated the arrival of three Italian medical specialists from the Pediatric Surgery Department of Niguarda Hospital in Milan.
The visiting team comprised Dr. Francesco Macchini, Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department; Dr. Stefano Mazzoleni, Pediatric Surgeon; and Dr. Sergio Cereghini, Anesthesiologist and Pediatric Intensive Care Specialist.
During the campaign, specialist surgeons and healthcare professionals conducted comprehensive medical evaluations for 100 children. Among them, 30 had undergone prior assessments, while 70 were newly examined during this phase of the program. Following the evaluations, 15 children benefited from specialized surgical interventions performed over four days.
Several of the procedures were exceptionally complex, requiring prolonged operating times, advanced surgical expertise, and meticulous multidisciplinary coordination. Beyond addressing serious medical conditions, the surgeries restored hope, dignity, and the promise of a healthier future for children and families who might otherwise have been unable to access such care.
Speaking at the launch of the program, Abdullahi Nur Osman, Chairman of the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, said the initiative was designed to reduce the burden on vulnerable families and make specialized healthcare more accessible within Somalia.
“Many Somali families face significant barriers in accessing highly specialized medical care,” Abdullahi Nur Osman said. “This initiative is intended to bring those services closer to patients and reduce the financial burden that often accompanies treatment abroad.”
Throughout the campaign, families traveled from different regions of Somalia to Siman Hospital for consultations, assessments, and treatment. Registration for the surgeries took place several days before the arrival of the Italian medical team, allowing families to secure appointments for their children. Hospital staff coordinated patient intake, screenings, evaluations, and surgical preparations throughout the campaign.
A representative from Siman Hospital said the collaboration offered immediate medical benefits for patients while also creating opportunities for professional exchange between Somali healthcare workers and international specialists.
“These partnerships help expand access to care while supporting the development of specialized medical expertise within Somalia,” the representative said.
In his concluding remarks, Abdullahi Nur Osman described the completion of the campaign’s first phase as a major achievement and a powerful example of international solidarity.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Abdullahi Nur Osman also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Italian specialists for their professionalism, dedication, and humanitarian spirit.
Access to advanced pediatric surgical services remains a major challenge across much of Somalia, where many families continue to face limited local treatment options, financial hardship, and logistical obstacles. Initiatives that bring international expertise into the country offer a practical way to address critical healthcare gaps while strengthening local medical capacity.
The successful completion of this first phase represents an important milestone for Hormuud Salaam Foundation, Siman Hospital, and the families whose children received care. By sponsoring the initiative and supporting international medical collaboration, HSF has helped deliver life-changing treatment to vulnerable children and demonstrated the vital role charitable organizations can play in expanding access to specialized healthcare in Somalia.
The campaign stands as a powerful reminder that with the right partnerships, expertise, and commitment, children facing complex medical conditions can receive the care they need close to home.
