By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 9 October 2026 Qatar Charity has concluded a medical campaign in Mogadishu that provided 40 cardiac catheterisation procedures for children with congenital heart defects, as part of efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare in Somalia.
The campaign, which ran from October 3 to October 8, ended with a ceremony attended by Qatar’s Ambassador to Somalia, Dr Abdullah bin Salem Al-Nuaimi. It was conducted in partnership with Somalia’s Ministry of Health, the Somali-Sudanese Specialised Hospital and the Mogadishu Heart Centre.
During the campaign, 144 children underwent medical examinations to identify congenital heart defects. Children requiring intervention received cardiac catheterisation procedures under the supervision of doctors and consultants specialising in paediatric heart conditions.
The campaign was part of the “27th Night of Ramadan” initiative, under the “Daf’u Balaa” humanitarian campaign.
Abdifitah Adan Macallin, director of Qatar Charity’s office in Somalia, said the campaign had exceeded its initial target of 35 procedures, reaching 40 to meet the medical needs of Somali children.
He said the target was surpassed despite challenges posed by the limited timeframe and the requirements for implementing the programme.
Macallin also announced plans for another campaign to provide open-heart surgery for children whose conditions cannot be treated through catheterisation alone. The campaign is expected to take place before the end of the year.
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He added that the initiatives were part of Qatar Charity’s efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare services in Somalia.
Doctors involved in the campaign stressed the importance of early screening and treatment for congenital heart defects, noting that many Somali families face difficulties accessing specialised medical services.
Dr Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at Mogadishu University, said the campaign had given many children better prospects for recovery. Dr Eyad Al-Amour praised cooperation with Somali medical professionals, saying he had participated in the Mogadishu campaign for the third consecutive time.
Dr Nishaat Kamil Ukasha Idris, executive director of the Somali-Sudanese Specialised Hospital, said Qatar Charity had supported three consecutive campaigns to treat children with heart defects.
Dahabo Mohamed Ahmed, the mother of one of the children treated, said her son’s successful treatment had restored hope to her family. She added that access to such services in Somalia reduces the financial burden on families and the need to travel abroad for treatment.
Qatar Charity said it would continue its medical and humanitarian programmes in Somalia to expand access to specialised healthcare, particularly for children with congenital heart defects.