“I thought I would never make it... But now, I hold my boys in my arms. Alive.” – Abshiro.
In the remote village of Raga Ceel, over 100 kilometres from Mogadishu, healthcare is a distant hope. Abshiro, a 25-year-old mother of five, lives shaped by resilience and tradition. Like many women in her community, she had given birth at home, assisted only by traditional midwives. She had never stepped inside a hospital.
But her sixth pregnancy brought unexpected challenges!
Abshiro began experiencing a deep and unusual fatigue. Her health declined quickly, and doctors eventually diagnosed her with a high-risk twin pregnancy, severe anaemia, and antepartum haemorrhage—conditions that threatened both her life and the lives of her unborn children.
A relative recalled the care at the SOS Children’s Villages Hospital in Mogadishu and urged the family to make the difficult journey. With time running out, they took a bold step—traveling to the city in search of life-saving care.
Emergency Response that Changed Everything
Upon arrival, Abshiro was rushed in as an emergency case. Medical staff discovered she was not only in labour but also suffering from pre-eclampsia—a dangerous pregnancy complication.
The team quickly began stabilising her condition with blood transfusions and medication, while preparing for the imminent birth. Hours later, Abshiro delivered twin boys.
But the struggle wasn’t over. Both newborns suffered from birth asphyxia and hypoglycaemia, requiring urgent resuscitation and admission into the hospital’s neonatal unit.
A Lifeline in the Neonatal Unit
In the neonatal intensive care unit, doctors and nurses worked around the clock to stabilise the twins. Slowly, their tiny bodies responded to care, showing signs of strength and recovery.
Meanwhile, Abshiro began her own healing journey. She received guidance on antenatal care, breastfeeding, hygiene, and immunisation—essential knowledge she’d never had access to before. "I didn’t know I had options,” she shared. “I thought childbirth would always be this way.”
Within a week, mother and babies were discharged—healthy, strong, and filled with hope.
A Place Where Every Life Counts
In just four months, the neonatal unit at SOS Children’s Villages Hospital in Mogadishu provided free intensive care to 248 newborns. Abshiro’s twins were among those given a second chance at life.
“This hospital gave us a second chance,” Abshiro said, cradling her babies with gratitude.
Why Stories Like This Matter
Behind every number is a name, a face, and a fight to survive. At SOS Children’s Villages, we work to ensure that every child and young person, especially those without or at risk of losing parental care, can grow up supported, protected, and connected.
Because every child deserves a strong start in life.