Laascaanood, Somalia – (Dawan Africa) , Norwegian Ambassador to Somalia, Carsten Carlsen, officially inaugurated the renovation of Laascaanood General Hospital on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The project, funded by the Norwegian and Swedish governments, along with support from the Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS), involved extensive repairs, equipment upgrades, and a complete overhaul to restore the hospital's operations.
The opening ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, the SSC-Khaatumo administration, as well as representatives from Norway and Sweden, both of which contributed to the project.
The hospital's renovation was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Norwegian and Swedish governments, with additional support from the Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS), a non-profit organization based in Oslo, Norway. The facility had suffered significant damage during the 2023 regional conflict, and the renovation aims to restore it to full functionality to serve the local community.
Ambassador Carlsen, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of rebuilding critical services such as healthcare in conflict-affected regions. "I am pleased that Norway and Sweden have been able to contribute to the restoration of this hospital. This hospital has been vital to the community since the 1950s, but the recent conflict rendered it partially non-operational. This project is a clear example of how the international community can support local populations in overcoming the growing political and military challenges," Carlsen stated.
The Norwegian Ambassador also highlighted the significance of international cooperation in rebuilding infrastructure in post-conflict areas. "When political conflicts escalate into military battles, it is the citizens who bear the heaviest burden," he added.
The event marked a historical milestone, as Ambassador Carlsen became the first diplomat to visit the capital of SSC-Khaatumo, which the Federal Government of Somalia officially recognized as a regional state earlier this year.
