Mogadishu, January 25, 2026 — Hormuud Salaam Foundation on Saturday held an appreciation ceremony in Mogadishu to honor Italian medical professionals and partners who facilitated life-saving heart surgeries for 24 Somali children at Niguarda Hospital in Milan, Italy.
Those recognized included Prof. Stefano Marianeschi, Dr. Stefano Mazzoleni, Italy’s Ambassador to Somalia H.E. Piere Dacco, and Ms. Edna Moallin Abdirahman, whose efforts were central to the success of the humanitarian program.
The ceremony was attended by senior Somali officials, led by the Second Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Jibriil Xaaji Abdirashiid Cabdi, along with ministers, members of parliament, the Former Governor of Banadir Region H.E. Yusuf Hussein Jimcaale (Madaale), representatives of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the treated children and their families, the Italian medical team, and other invited guests.
Opening the event, Abdullahi Nur Osman , CEO of Hormuud Salaam Foundation, outlined the program’s development and impact, thanking Prof. Marianeschi for his dedication and Ms. Edna Moallin Abdirahman for initiating the project. He also acknowledged the Italian Embassy in Somalia for facilitating visas and travel, SIMAN and Welcare Hospitals for coordination, and the Somali Ministry of Health for administrative support.
Former Banadir Governor Sheikh Yusuf Hussein Jimcaale (Madaale) praised the initiative as a vital life-saving intervention, while Ms. Edna Moallin Abdirahman highlighted the strong collaboration between Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the Lombardy Region, and Niguarda Hospital.
Leading the medical team, Prof. Stefano Marianeschi reaffirmed his commitment to continued medical support for Somali children, describing Hormuud Salaam Foundation as the backbone of the program.
Italian Ambassador H.E. Piere Dacco welcomed the treatment of Somali children in Italy and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation, while State Minister of Health Ms. Maryan Mohamed Hussein highlighted the historic ties between the two countries and thanked the Italian medical institutions involved.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Jibriil Xaaji Abdirashiid Cabdi underscored the program’s impact on children and families, expressing gratitude to the Government of Italy, the Italian medical team, Hormuud Salaam Foundation, and Ms. Edna Moallin Abdirahman.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the honored individuals and institutions. In addition, the Italian medical team conducted screenings for 55 children, who are expected to receive treatment in Italy during 2026 for heart conditions and other pediatric illnesses.
