Edna Adan Maternity Hospital

Edna Adan Maternity Hospital is a hospital located in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia. Founded by Edna Adan Ismail, a nurse-midwife, health activist, and the first female Foreign Minister of Somaliland, the hospital is dedicated to improving the health of women and children in the region. It has become a beacon of hope, providing critical maternity and healthcare services in an area where such facilities are scarce.

History

The Edna Adan Maternity Hospital was founded in 2002 by Edna Adan Ismail, who invested her personal funds, including her United Nations pension, to build the hospital on land that was once a garbage dump. Her vision was to reduce the high rates of maternal and infant mortality in Somaliland, which were among the highest in the world. The hospital not only focuses on maternity care but also offers training for nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals, aiming to raise the standard of healthcare in the region.

Facilities and Services

The hospital is equipped with modern medical facilities, including operating theatres, a laboratory, and an ultrasound machine. It provides a wide range of services such as antenatal care, gynecological surgery, family planning, and HIV/AIDS treatment and counseling. The hospital also runs an outreach program to educate the community on health issues, emphasizing the importance of maternal and child health.

Training and Education

A significant aspect of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital is its focus on education and training. The hospital operates a university, the Edna Adan University, which offers degrees in nursing, midwifery, laboratory technology, and pharmacy. The goal is to train healthcare professionals who can improve the quality of healthcare throughout Somaliland and beyond.

Impact

Since its inception, the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital has had a profound impact on the health of women and children in Somaliland. It has significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality rates in the region and has trained hundreds of healthcare professionals. The hospital's success has made it a model for similar healthcare initiatives in other developing countries.

Challenges

Despite its successes, the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital faces ongoing challenges, including limited resources, the need for more trained healthcare professionals, and the political instability of the region. However, the hospital continues to strive towards its mission of improving healthcare for all, especially the most vulnerable populations.

See Also

• Healthcare in Somalia
• Maternal health
• Midwifery