Mental Health Hospital Receives $200,000 Boost From Dahabshiil Group

MOGADISHU, Somalia, January 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Dahabshiil Group has donated $200,000 to help reconstruct the mental health unit of Forlanini Hospital, in Mogadishu.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Dahabshiil Group will finance renovation works in the Mogadishu-based hospital, including provisions for an electric generator, water-reservoir tanks, an annex room for emergencies, two wards and administration and service blocks. 

Dahabshiil CEO, Abdirashid Duale said: "We are delighted to make this donation to Forlanini Hospital. We've put together a facility that's going to ensure patients are tended to in a spacious and conducive environment that will contribute to their treatment and well-being.

"The Hospital offers crucial services for its patients, so we are proud to make a contribution to help improve the delivery of its services."

Forlanini Hospital, formerly known as the Laansareeti Hospital before the civil war, was historically a state-of-the-art facility and home to some of the country's top medical professionals. As the country descended into war, the health sector and its infrastructure were completely destroyed. The mental health unit that once served patients from all regions of Somalia is currently an empty shell.

In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was difficult to get a clear picture of just how widespread mental health issues in Somalia were, describing data collection as "patchy". The situation is worsened by the cultural belief that mental illness is caused by the 'jinn' and the 'evil eye', and is treated by traditional healers. People with mental health issues are often stigmatised, discriminated against and socially isolated. As such, Dahabshiil chose the Forlanini mental health clinic due to the important services it offers to mental health patients in Mogadishu and the surrounding areas.

Dr Yussuf Abdi Samow, Deputy Director of Forlanini Hospital, said:

"The newly completed wing of Foralanini Hospital will significantly improve the care and well-being of our patients. Dahabshiil's contribution will hopefully serve as an example for businesses and the international community."

Dahabshiil Group is renowned for committing millions of US dollars into its CSR programmes all over the world. The Group is proud to be one of the biggest investors from the private sector supporting hospitals and health centres in the Somali territories and beyond. Dahabshiil helps develop infrastructure while at the same time providing financial support, equipment and drugs. Health institutions that the Group has supported over the years include Las Anod Hospital, Bossasso Hospital, Hargeisa and Burao Hospitals and Mogadishu's Kaysenay Hospital. All of these institutions are well known for their healthcare provisions.

Dahabshiil has been in business for over 40 years. Today, Dahabshiil is present in 150 countries and is the one of the largest private sector employer in the Horn of Africa. With offices in London and Dubai, Dahabshiil provides services to some of the world's leading humanitarian and development organisations, including the United Nations, Oxfam, the Department for International Development, Development Alternative Inc. and Save the Children.