Baidoa, 02 March 2025 – Ethiopian troops serving with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have donated essential medical supplies to the Bay Regional Hospital in Baidoa, South West State.
The consignment includes medicines and essential medical supplies such as antibiotics, syringes, gloves, masks, bandages, ointments and surgical items, which will help the facility provide quality healthcare services to the local community.
AUSSOM Level II hospital commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Terefe Nigussie, handed over the medical supplies to South West State Minister for Health, Saed Ahmed Ali at a brief ceremony in Baidoa on Saturday.
“This will help to address the urgent medical needs of the local population. We are more than happy to share these essential supplies with the vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
Lt. Col. Dr. Nigussie reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to protect the security and stability of South West State, while also contributing to the local community’s wellbeing.
The South West Minister for Health thanked AUSSOM troops for their generous donation, noting their numerous contributions to strengthening the hospital’s healthcare capabilities and improving the lives of residents.
“We are happy to receive these life-saving supplies from AUSSOM Ethiopian troops. This is not the first time they have donated to the regional hospital, which demonstrates a brotherly and friendly gesture,” said Minister Saed, who received the donation on behalf of the South West State administration.
Issack Mohamed Ali, the Baidoa’s Deputy Commissioner of Security and Policing, commended the ongoing collaboration between the South West State administration and AUSSOM, highlighting its significance in maintaining stability and security in the region.
“We are thankful to AUSSOM Ethiopian troops. They have consistently supported us in security, disaster response, and healthcare,” said Ali.
The Bay Regional Hospital, the largest referral medical facility in the region, is managed by the South West State Ministry of Health, with support from international partners such as the Action Against Hunger (ACF) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
With a workforce of 300 medical and non-medical staff, the facility treats about 270 patients daily, providing comprehensive free healthcare services to both inpatients and outpatients.
