24 Somali Children Return Home After Life-Saving Heart Surgeries in Italy

24 Somali Children Return Home After Life-Saving Heart Surgeries in Italy

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 under a medical program coordinated by the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, which recently hosted an appreciation ceremony in Mogadishu to honor Italian doctors, diplomats, and partners who made the initiative 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 played a key role in launching the project.

The ceremony was attended by senior Somali government officials led by Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibriil Xaaji Abdirashiid Cabdi, along with ministers, lawmakers, medical professionals, representatives of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the children and their families, and members of the Italian medical team.

Hormuud Salaam Foundation CEO Abdullahi Nur Osman praised Prof. Marianeschi for his long-standing commitment to treating Somali children and credited Edna Moallin Abdirahman for initiating the program. He also expressed gratitude to the Italian Embassy in Somalia, SIMAN and Welcare hospitals, and Somalia’s Ministry of Health for facilitating coordination and logistics.

Somali leaders described the initiative as a critical life-saving intervention for vulnerable children. Ambassador Dacco reaffirmed Italy’s continued commitment to humanitarian and medical cooperation with Somalia, while Somalia’s State Minister of Health highlighted the strong historical ties between the two nations.

The event concluded with an announcement that the Italian medical team had screened 55 additional Somali children, many of whom may receive specialized treatment in Italy in 2026.

The medical mission is primarily funded by Italy’s Lombardy regional government, which covers surgical and hospital expenses, while the Hormuud Salaam Foundation supports travel, accommodation, and living costs for the children and their families.

This initiative stands as a powerful example of international medical solidarity and a hopeful step toward improving access to advanced pediatric healthcare for Somali children.