By Hanad Abdi - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 13 November 2026 Shaafi Hospital in Mogadishu performed Somalia's first-ever cochlear implant surgeries on two patients on Thursday, marking a milestone expected to expand treatment options for people with severe hearing loss.
The service was launched as the hospital celebrated its 10th anniversary, forming part of broader efforts to improve specialised healthcare services in the country.
Shaafi Hospital Director General Abdifatah Adan said the introduction of the service had made Somalia the ninth African country to perform cochlear implant surgeries.
"We have become the ninth country in Africa to perform cochlear implant surgery," the director said.
Cochlear implantation is a medical procedure in which an electronic device is surgically implanted to help people with severe hearing loss perceive sound, particularly when conventional hearing aids provide insufficient benefit.
The introduction of the service in Somalia could offer new opportunities for patients who previously needed to travel abroad for such treatment, although access will depend on the hospital's capacity and the cost of the procedure.
Cochlear implant surgery is among the specialised medical services requiring advanced equipment, trained specialists and ongoing postoperative care.