For millions of children in Somalia, life is shaped by death, displacement and uncertainty—and access to healthcare means the difference between crisis and recovery. That’s where International Medical Corps comes in. Our mobile teams provide exams, medicines and therapeutic food to families living in sites for internally displaced persons (IDPs), while our doctors and nurses in the pediatric unit of Galkayo South Hospital—the only pediatric unit in Mudug region in central Somalia—bring hope and healing to children suffering from life-threatening conditions.
“Our courageous and dedicated team works every day to ensure that children can access the healthcare they need—not to just survive, but to grow, learn and thrive,” says Njoroge Kamau, International Medical Corps’ Country Director in Somalia. “When we support a child’s health, we are supporting the future of their family and their community.”
Four-month-old Mohyadin Ahmed Omar was one such child. When Mohyadin’s mother, Aisha Ahmed, brought him to Galkayo South Hospital with a persistent cough and fever, he was diagnosed with pneumonia—a deadly respiratory infection responsible for approximately 14% of all deaths among children under 5, according to the World Health Organization.
After being admitted to the hospital, Mohyadin received comprehensive treatment, including antibiotics and continuous medical monitoring. Our team also provided his mother with food and accommodations, enabling her to remain in the hospital with Moyhadin and participate in his care. Such integrated mother and child support approach ensures uninterrupted caregiving, minimizes the risk of neglect and prevents any disruption to the child’s treatment. After five days in the hospital, Moyhadin was safely discharged.
“Without this support, my child might not have survived,” says Aisha. “I am deeply thankful to International Medical Corps for giving my son a chance to live.”
Moyhadin’s story is one of many. The photos that follow show the dedication and support our medical teams and community members provide to the children in their care.
In addition to direct patient care, International Medical Corps strengthens Somalia’s healthcare system by training staff in clinical operations and patient management—providing healthcare workers with the skills they need to deliver consistent, high-quality services. Through this program, International Medical Corps has significantly expanded the access of rural communities to specialized medical care, helping to reduce preventable deaths. Learn more about our work in Somalia.