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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 gener
ator, 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 histo rically a state-of-the-art facility
and home to some of the country’s top medical profession als. As the
country descended into war, the health sector and its infrastructure
were comple tely 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 ju st how widespread mental health issues
in Somalia were, describing data collection as “patc hy”. 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 busines ses 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 dru gs. Health
institutions that the Group has supported over the years include Las
Anod Hospi tal, 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 countri es 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 Inte rnational Development,
Development Alternative Inc. and Save the Children.
Source: Africa Business
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