In a momentous occasion for Somalia’s healthcare landscape, the capital city of Mogadishu witnessed the unveiling of its fourth mental health facility, located in the Karaan district. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Karaan District Commissioner Farax Addani Maxamed, the Chairman of the Community Rescue Organization Cabdulqaadir Abaabul, renowned scholar Aqoon Yahay Aamircamir Culimaa’uddiin, and members of the local community.
The new facility, operated by the Abudwak Mother and Child Health Hospital, aims to provide comprehensive mental health services to individuals suffering from various psychological disorders. During the event, officials toured the facility’s wards and interacted with some of the patients already receiving care.
Among them was Nabi Maxamed Yuusuf, whose father had been transferred from the coastal city of Bosaso. Expressing his gratitude, Nabi shared his father’s journey, recounting the challenges he faced due to his mental health condition, which had taken a toll on both his internal and external well-being. “We had initially sought treatment at the Italian Hospital, but today marks the third day since we arrived at this new facility, and I can already sense a positive change in his condition,” he remarked.
As the facility prepares to offer a comprehensive range of mental health services, including treatment and rehabilitation for patients with various mental illnesses, the local community in Karaan district has welcomed the initiative with open arms. “We are truly grateful and excited, both as individuals and as a community, for the establishment of this mental health facility in our district,” said Dr. Xabeeb, the General Manager of the Abudwak Mother and Child Health Hospital.
Highlighting the significance of the new facility, Dr. Xabeeb explained, “In terms of the number of mental health hospitals in the Banadir region, this is the fourth facility we have opened. The demand for such services was evident, and we are pleased to have initiated operations here in Karaan district.”
Professor Yaxye Aamircamir, a renowned Somali scholar, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the long-standing need for mental health care among the Somali population. He acknowledged that providing treatment for individuals with mental illnesses is a collective responsibility that requires community support. “We have opened three facilities within the country and are now prepared to extend our services beyond borders if necessary,” he stated.
Cabdulqaadir Abaabul, the Chairman of the Community Rescue Organization, urged the nation’s leaders and the general public to rally behind the Abudwak Mother and Child Health Hospital’s efforts in caring for those affected by mental illnesses. “We need to support this nation, which has endured so much,” he said. “No one can single-handedly address the challenges faced by those suffering from mental health issues; it requires collective action.”
Farax Addani Maxamed, the Karaan District Commissioner, concluded the event by pledging the district’s unwavering support for the new facility. “We wholeheartedly welcome the opening of this mental health facility in our district,” he affirmed. “Our commitment is to actively collaborate and ensure its success.”
The inauguration of Mogadishu’s fourth mental health facility marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s journey towards providing accessible and quality mental healthcare to its citizens. With the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the general public, this initiative holds the promise of alleviating the burden of mental illnesses and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
