A Smile Stronger Than the Scar: Hamam’s Story

For communities in Wanlaweyn and nearby villages like Murugey—located 11 km west of the main district—access to healthcare has long been a challenge. Residents often travel long distances to Wanlaweyn or even Mogadishu for basic medical services. For poor households where daily meals are not guaranteed, the cost of health emergencies—especially during crises like floods—can be devastating to both income and well-being.

For 8-year-old Hamam Hussein Adam, this reality became deeply personal. Orphaned at a young age, Hamam now lives with her maternal uncle in Murugey. Their livelihood depends solely on small-scale, rain-fed farming—an occupation increasingly threatened by recurring droughts and economic uncertainty. When Hamam developed a severe neck infection that disrupted her sleep, caused her pain, and limited her movement, her uncle faced an impossible choice: seek professional care he couldn’t afford or watch her condition worsen.

“Taking Hamam for professional care is beyond our reach,” he said. “However, I am optimistic we shall overcome this, and she will recover with Allah’s support.”

Hope arrived in their village through a mobile health team from SHACDO, Concern Worldwide’s local partner under the CaafimaadPlus consortium. Funded by the British Embassy Mogadishu, this clinic began operating in the area in November 2024, bringing life-saving healthcare directly to vulnerable communities like theirs.

Dr. Osman, part of the mobile clinic team, examined Hamam during an outpatient consultation. She was in critical condition—the infection had worsened, her neck was swollen and painful, and she could barely respond to people around her. The medical team immediately prescribed Ciprofloxacin, a strong antibiotic, and Ibuprofen to manage the pain and inflammation.

The mobile clinic, which visits the village weekly, didn’t just stop at one visit. The team ensured regular follow-up care, adjusted treatment as needed, and closely monitored Hamam’s recovery. Alongside medical services, the mobile clinic – also provides nutritional support to under five children with Uncomplicated malnutrition and conducted protection awareness sessions, connecting survivors of Female Genital Mutilation and Gender-Based Violence with necessary services.

Thanks to timely intervention and consistent follow-up, Hamam’s condition steadily improved. The infection subsided, her fever broke, and movement returned to her neck. She could finally go about her day like other children—pain-free and full of energy. Though a small scar remains, it is now a mark of healing rather than suffering.

“I don’t know how to thank you better,” her uncle said, visibly emotional. “We are deeply grateful. I just hope these services can reach even more villages that, like ours, have no access to basic healthcare.”

The story of Hamam is one of impact—bringing healthcare directly to those most in need. Thanks to CaafimaadPlus partners, the mobile health unit is not just delivering treatment—it’s restoring dignity and saving lives.