2020 has been a most challenging year for everyone. In Somaliland, the government deserves
credit for its proactive response to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic; despite limited resources, the
country has reported fewer than 100 known COVID-related deaths as of mid-November. Edna
Hospital took the precaution early on of restructuring its outpatient clinic and isolation wards
(noted in our May Newsletter) to reduce the risks of spreading the virus, and after an early scare
in May, its staff has been spared any serious spikes in new cases. Thanks to the Ministry of
Health, the UN Population Fund, and several of our partner charities, the Hospital maintains an
adequate supply of protective medical equipment and test kits. Dr. Amal and her team produced a COVID-19 educational brochure for the hospital’s staff and students, and the trainees will be going to outreach villages to educate hundreds of community leaders on prevention protocols. The Edna University reopened for live classes in July, and this past September graduated 310, making a total of 4,434 university graduates since its founding in 2010. The University recently launched new Masters Programs in Public Health and in Agriculture. Edna herself has participated remotely in a number of international forums to share Somaliland’s experience on topics ranging from heart disease to nursing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent years, the Edna Hospital has become an important Africa-based site for laboratory research and data collection—e.g., on recurrent maternal and infant maladies and on the effects of FGM—often partnering with teams from medical institutions around the world. With this in mind, Edna has requested the Friends’ help to purchase new microscopes, spectrophotometers, biochemistry analyzers, etc., for the Hospital’s two (soon to be three) labs where the next generation of Somali medical laboratory technicians and researchers are being trained. All donations from this holiday appeal will support the acquisition and delivery of this equipment.
While we understand that many of our donors may have personal or financial challenges of their own at this time, we hope that you will continue to support Edna’s mission in whatever way you can. For those able to contribute $400 or more in response to this newsletter, we will be pleased at your request to send you a copy of Edna’s widely-acclaimed 2019 memoir, A Woman of Firsts, as a small token of our appreciation. On behalf of Edna, her dedicated team, and the many patients they serve, I and our Board of Directors thank you for your ongoing generosity and send you warm holiday greetings as well as best wishes for a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year.
Dr. Lee Cassanelli, President, Friends of Edna’s Maternity Hospital