Mogadishu, Somalia — 31 August 2026 — Dr. Sumait Hospital officially hosted the launching ceremony of the Free Healthcare Programme for Sudanese Students in Somalia, a significant initiative designed to support the health, wellbeing, and educational journey of Sudanese students studying in Somalia.
The programme is a collaborative initiative between Dr. Sumait Hospital, SIMAD University, and Direct Aid Somalia, providing Sudanese students with 100% free healthcare coverage and access to comprehensive medical services. The initiative aims to ensure that students can receive the healthcare they need without financial barriers, allowing them to focus on their education and future aspirations.
A Commitment to Student Health and Wellbeing
The launch ceremony brought together representatives from healthcare institutions, government bodies, higher education institutions, diplomatic missions, humanitarian organizations, and other key stakeholders. Their participation reflected the importance of collaboration in strengthening healthcare access and supporting students in Somalia.
During the ceremony, Dr. Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed, President of SIMAD University, warmly welcomed the Sudanese students and highlighted the importance of supporting their education, wellbeing, and future aspirations. He emphasized the role of institutional partnerships in creating an environment where students can pursue their studies with greater confidence and stability.
The partnership between SIMAD University, Dr. Sumait Hospital, and Direct Aid demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting Sudanese students beyond the classroom by addressing their healthcare needs as an essential part of their overall wellbeing.
Strengthening the Bonds Between Somalia and Sudan
The programme also reflects the longstanding bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between the people of Somalia and Sudan.
Sheikh Hassan Sheikh Ahmed Badawi, General Director of Direct Aid Somalia, emphasized the importance of standing together and supporting Sudanese students during challenging times. He highlighted the humanitarian spirit behind the initiative and the value of partnerships that provide meaningful support to communities in need.
The Ambassador of Sudan to Somalia, H.E. Abdulrahman Khalil Ahmed, welcomed the initiative and recognized its importance in supporting Sudanese students pursuing their education in Somalia. He also encouraged students to remain committed to their educational goals and continue building their future through education.
A Collaborative Effort Across Sectors
The ceremony brought together distinguished representatives from Somalia’s healthcare, education, humanitarian, and government sectors, demonstrating the importance of collective action in expanding access to essential services.
The event featured contributions from representatives of the Ministry of Health, the higher education sector, healthcare institutions, the National Refugee Agency, the National Social Health Insurance programme, Somali National University, SIMAD University, Direct Aid Somalia, and the Embassy of Sudan.
The participation of these institutions reinforced the shared commitment to improving healthcare access and supporting the welfare of Sudanese students living and studying in Somalia.
100% Free Healthcare Cards Distributed to Students
A key moment of the ceremony was the official distribution of 100% free healthcare cards to Sudanese students.
The cards will enable eligible Sudanese students to access healthcare services through the programme, helping remove financial barriers that may otherwise prevent students from seeking medical care when needed.
This initiative represents an important step toward ensuring that students can maintain their health and wellbeing throughout their studies while continuing to pursue their academic goals.
Supporting Education Through Healthcare
Healthcare and education are closely connected. Students who have access to appropriate healthcare are better positioned to attend classes, continue their studies, and focus on achieving their academic and professional aspirations.
Through this programme, Dr. Sumait Hospital, SIMAD University, and Direct Aid Somalia are working together to create a supportive environment for Sudanese students in Somalia—one where access to healthcare does not become an obstacle to education.
The initiative also serves as a meaningful expression of the longstanding relationship between Somalia and Sudan, demonstrating solidarity and mutual support between the two countries.
A Message of Solidarity
The launch of the Free Healthcare Programme carries a broader message of solidarity: that supporting students means supporting their health, education, and future.
For Sudanese students studying in Somalia, the programme provides practical healthcare support while also sending a message that their wellbeing matters and that they are welcomed and supported during their academic journey.
The initiative stands as an example of what can be achieved through cooperation between healthcare providers, universities, humanitarian organizations, government institutions, and diplomatic missions.
Looking Ahead
The launch marks an important milestone in the continued efforts of Dr. Sumait Hospital, SIMAD University, and Direct Aid Somalia to support Sudanese students and promote accessible healthcare.
By providing 100% free healthcare coverage, the programme seeks to ensure that students can access essential medical services without financial barriers and continue their education with greater peace of mind.
Healthcare without barriers. Education without interruption. Stronger together.