By Zakariye Hassan - Reporter
Mogadishu, 31 August 2026 - Abdalla Mohamed Abdalla is one of hundreds of Sudanese students studying at Somali National University. Since leaving Sudan, his biggest worry was not exams, but what would happen if he got sick far from home.
He now carries a health card guaranteeing free care at Dr. Sumait Hospital.
"When you go to hospital, you have to pay a lot of money. Today, receiving health care free is a great opportunity," Abdalla said.
The cards were distributed to Sudanese students at Somali National University by Direct Aid, which runs Dr. Sumait Hospital. Officials said the program aims to help students struggling with living costs and medical bills.
Education officials said the initiative also reflects longstanding ties between the two countries.
SIMAD University Rector Abdikarim Mohadin Ahmed said Somalia could never repay Sudan for educating generations of Somalis.
More from Somalia
"There is hardly any institution where you will not find people who studied in Sudan," he said.
Direct Aid Director Hassan Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed Al-Badawi said the program was created after recognizing the challenges students face abroad.
"Sudanese students who came here to continue their education often face unexpected health problems. Most simply cannot afford treatment," he said.
Thousands of students have left Sudan since war broke out on April 15, 2023. Many have resumed studies in Somalia, but accommodation, daily expenses and health care remain major challenges.
The health cards will not solve every hardship, but they remove one fear: being unable to afford treatment when illness strikes.