Dear Reader,
Somalilandsun – This week marks the 14th anniversary since our hospital first opened its doors to bring hope and healing to the people of Somaliland and East Africa region more widely. With the help of countless friends around the world, we have achieved great things. A facility which began its life as a small maternity hospital on a former garbage dump is now a general hospital and national referral institution serving the health needs of many thousands across the Horn of Africa.
I am proud and humbled to share that in this time 17,845 babies have been born and registered and the maternal mortality rate within our hospital has been reduced to one fifth of the national average. An additional 19,000 sick patients have been treated and thousands of surgical procedures performed. Referrals of patients with medical complications are regularly received from neighbouring countries and we provide specialist care for children with birth defects and disabilities.
Today, our outpatient services include diagnostic laboratories, antenatal and postnatal care, vaccinations, advice on child spacing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Education, counselling and campaigning against FGM remains a core part of our work. The Edna Adan University is now 3.5 years old with a new campus currently under construction. In total, 880 health care professionals have been trained, including 285 nurses and midwives – a small army of men and women who are carrying forward the lifesaving skills they have learned to the far flung corners of Somaliland and beyond.
As we turn 14 today, I want to take the opportunity to thank our generous donors, including the Friends of Edna Hospital, Edna Adan Hospital Foundation USA and UK and all the individuals, governments and international organisations that have helped us over the years. Without your support, we would not have recently been ranked 13th out of the top 50 hospitals in Africa.
Blessings,
Edna Adan Ismail
Founder & Director
Edna Adan University Hospital
