Somali's health care system like any other institution had been non- existence for two decades of civil war. World health organization and UN bodies had been lifeline for medical Aid in Somalia for the last 20 years. According to Thomson Reuters foundation, some 1.5 million Somalis have lost access to health care over the last two years as a round 10 hospitals have been closed or cut back their services due to aid shortages.
Arlaadi Aid 501 (3c) non-profit organization, based in the United State has for the first time since its inception in 2014 had developed a contingency plan last year.40 fit container of medical equipment and supply left from Florida to Georgia to Mogadishu, this was a dream, no one believed could ever be possible, it was expensive, long and risk journey.
These supplies were intended to reach Baay Public hospital, so that population in that city could benefit. The supplied reached Mogadishu on January15, the biggest challenge was to move the medical aid from Mogadishu to Baidoa, by road, which is 250km away from Mogadishu. Despite the logistic and security nightmare, the federal government, the regional state of South Western Somalia and Amisom work together, including Arlaadi Aid president and management to make the supplies reach the destination intended, which is Baay hospital.
By February 26,the supplied reached Baidoa safely and that was a big relief for everyone. Arlaadi Aid and donors have felt enthusiasm, it was a dream that become true and Arlaadi aid members and diaspora community are excited to make this long and difficult journey to fruits. On 29 February, we planned a ceremony to hand over the medical equipment and supply to the hospital management.
This ceremony was well organized by the local authority and community, unfortunate, on 28 February a day before the ceremony, a large double suicide explosion erupted in the heart of the city killing one hundred innocent civilian. The scene was totally chaos and devastating and about 200 more people were wounded. The happy city once again turned into grief and sorrow, the trauma and fear was hug and overwhelming.
The hospital was full of wounded people; the hospital asked if they could use the supplier and equipment. Arlaadi Aid have ordered the use of the medical supplies, by luck in the supply that we sent there were four ballots of wound care supplies, and it had tremendous impact on the way the wounded people had been treated, many lives had been saved by this medical supplies.
Arlaadi would like to thank everyone who has put effort to the success of this program. Likewise, Arlaadi asks individuals and hospitals across the United States and the world to donate anything they can, especially medical supplies and equipment.