Jigjiga, Ethiopia – A heartfelt farewell ceremony was held this week at the Sheikh Hassan Yabare High Specialty Hospital in Jigjiga to honor a dedicated team of heart surgeons who successfully completed a week-long mission of life-saving cardiac operations. The event marked the conclusion of the second phase of a heart surgery campaign that provided advanced medical care to both children and adults suffering from heart conditions.

During the ceremony, Dr. Abdullahi Hussein, the manager of Sheikh Hassan Yabare Hospital, expressed deep appreciation for the team’s efforts and emphasized the significance of providing such complex medical services within the Somali region.

“This is a major step forward for our healthcare system,” Dr. Hussein stated. “Previously, patients had to travel abroad for these types of surgeries—a financial and logistical challenge for many families. Today, thanks to the resources and commitment at our hospital, we are able to offer this critical care locally.”

Dr. Hussein highlighted that, aside from the capital city Addis Ababa, the Somali region is now the first in Ethiopia to carry out such advanced cardiac procedures. He attributed this achievement to the hospital’s investment in modern surgical equipment and the specialized expertise of the medical team involved.

The farewell event served not only as a tribute to the visiting surgical team but also as a celebration of the hospital’s growing capacity to deliver advanced medical services. The ceremony brought together hospital staff, community members, and local health officials, all of whom praised the surgeons for their dedication and the impact of their work.