Twenty-four Somali children have returned home after undergoing life-saving heart surgeries at Niguarda Hospital in Milan, marking a major humanitarian milestone in medical cooperation between Somalia and Italy.
The children were treated through a program coordinated by Hormuud Salaam Foundation, which, on Saturday, 24 January 2026, held an appreciation ceremony in Mogadishu to honor the Italian medical professionals, diplomats, and partners who made the surgeries possible.
Among those recognized were Prof. Stefano Marianeschi and Dr. Stefano Mazzoleni of Niguarda Hospital, Italy’s ambassador to Somalia, Piere Dacco, and Somali humanitarian advocate Edna Moallin Abdirahman, who initiated the project. Certificates of appreciation were presented in recognition of their roles in delivering specialized care unavailable in Somalia.
The ceremony drew senior Somali officials, led by Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Haji Abdirashid Abdi, alongside ministers, lawmakers, medical professionals, representatives of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the children and their families, and members of the Italian medical team.
Abdullahi Nur Osman, chief executive of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, praised Prof. Marianeschi for his sustained commitment to treating Somali children and credited Edna Moallin Abdirahman with launching the initiative. He also thanked the Italian Embassy in Somalia for facilitating visas and travel, SIMAN and Welcare hospitals for coordination, and Somalia’s Ministry of Health for administrative support.
“Nearly $700,000 was spent on this Save the Children project, making it possible to carry out the surgeries and provide medical care for these Somali children who received treatment in Italy. We extend our sincere gratitude to Siman Hospital, Welcare Hospital, Niguarda Hospital, the Lombardy Region, the Italian Embassy, and the Ministry of Health of Somalia, all of whom played a significant role in the success of this initiative,” Abdullahi Nur Osman said.
Former Banadir regional governor Yusuf Hussein Jimaale Madaale described the program as a critical life-saving intervention for vulnerable children.
“This occasion is different from every other gathering. These are Somali children who were suffering from severe illnesses and were taken abroad for treatment. Imagine a parent who cannot even afford daily necessities, then being told that their child has a heart condition, you can only imagine the hardship they endure. Now, seeing their daughters and sons able to begin life again is truly a blessing,” Madaale said.
Edna Moallin Abdirahman highlighted the strength of the partnership between Hormuud Salaam Foundation, Italy’s Lombardy regional authorities, and Niguarda Hospital.
Speaking on behalf of the medical team, Prof. Marianeschi said he remains committed to continued medical support for Somali children, describing Hormuud Salaam Foundation as the backbone of the initiative.
Ambassador Dacco reaffirmed Rome’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation with Somalia. State Minister of Health Maryan Mohamed Hussein noted the long-standing ties between the two countries and thanked Italian medical institutions for their support.
Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Abdi said the program had transformed the lives of children and families, expressing gratitude to the Italian government, the medical team, Hormuud Salaam Foundation, and Edna Moallin Abdirahman for their collective efforts.
The impact of the life-saving medical program was felt most deeply by the families whose children received critical treatment abroad. For many parents, what once seemed like an impossible struggle has turned into a story of hope, recovery, and renewed faith in the future.
“My son, Mohamed, was born with an open heart condition and was in a very critical state. But today he has gained hope and good health. All praise is due to Allah, and then to everyone who stood up to help save my son’s life,” Abdikarim Hussein Adan, one of the parents whose child received treatment through the program.
The event concluded with an announcement that the Italian medical team had screened an additional 55 Somali children during their visit. Those identified with serious heart conditions and other pediatric illnesses are expected to receive treatment in Italy in 2026.
The medical mission is primarily funded by Italy’s Lombardy regional government, which covers surgical and hospital costs. Hormuud Salaam Foundation supports travel, supplies, and living expenses for the children and their families during treatment abroad.
HSF is a non-profit organisation fully funded by Hormuud Telecom and Salaam Somali Bank. HSF was established in 2013 as the first corporate foundation in Somalia. Since then, they have grown to become Somalia’s largest private philanthropic organisation and have played a significant part in Somalia’s development. HSF is based in Mogadishu and funds and executes a range of impact-driven development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and humanitarian programmes across Somalia.
