With the support of a Rotary District 9800 Foundation Grant contributions from the local Somali community, the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington has shipped a 40-foot container filled with hospital and medical equipment to Jarriban Hospital, Somalia.
Without a Rotary Club to work with, a team led by Flemington Kensington Rotarian Dr Abdiwahid Hassan partnered with Chancellor of the Jarriban International University Dr Sayid Abdille Hassan and the Minister of Health to develop and implement a plan to improve medical aid to Jarriban. At Jarriban, Dr Sayid Abdille Hassan worked with hospital Rector Dr Farhan Abdirahman Farah, and Government, customs and port authorities to enable a smooth transition through a region still in the middle of conflict.After two long years of work, and seven months after leaving Melbourne, the arrival of the container at Jarriban on 27 March 2025 was met with celebrations and excitement on the arrival of such treasure. A formal ceremony was held early in the morning, two days later to allow for Ramadan and included the Mayor, Dr Farah, the Chancellor of the University, Chief of Police, community leaders and those who had assisted with fundraising.
The treasure included 55 beds, two dialysis machines and chairs ,35 wheelchairs, an operating table, two patient lifting hoists and sacks, 2 autoclaves, 6 cots, 6 medication trolleys, multiple blood pressure and patient monitors, IV poles, crutches, microscopes, CPR dummies, cupboards and 106 cartons of medical consumables.
The dialysis machines are now in use, providing treatment for the first time. With the extra beds, patients no longer are forced to lie on the floor for treatment and the wheelchairs, 4-wheel walking frames and crutches provide a lifeline for those impacted by mobility issues. Children’s cots and a humidi-crib mean paediatric services are strengthened.
What is the Impact?40,000 people now have additional medical access.What was the Reach? A partnership with the Somali diaspora in Melbourne, together with connections in Bosasso, Garacad and Jarriban.
What was the Engagement? we are diverse, and we know that when we bring together people of different backgrounds, we think of better ideas and more effective ways of serving our community and the world.
What was the Adaption? despite the challenges, the hurdles, the logistics, a way was found.