Mother and daughter doctor-heroes: Hawa Abdi + Deqo Mohamed

TL;DR

Doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed run a medical clinic and civil society in Somalia, providing care and security to women and children affected by the civil war.

Transcript

Hawa Abdi: Many people -- 20 years for Somalia -- [were] fighting. So there was no job, no food. Children, most of them, became very malnourished, like this. Deqo Mohamed: So as you know, always in a civil war, the ones affected most [are] the women and children. So our patients are women and children. And they are in our backyard. It's our home. W... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Women and children are most affected by civil wars and lack of government protection, leading to malnourishment and need for medical assistance.
• 🩺 The hospital run by Dr. Hawa Abdi and Dr. Deqo Mohamed provides crucial medical care, including C-sections and operations, to help those in need.
• ⚖️ The two rules of admission at the clinic are that there is no clan division and no man can beat his wife, reinforcing the importance of equality and safety for women.
• 💪 Somali women have shown tremendous strength and resilience, becoming leaders in their community despite the challenges of civil war.
• ⚕️ Dr. Abdi's decision to become a doctor was influenced by her admiration for the commitment of doctors to help the sick, while Dr. Mohamed was inspired by her mother's work and the essential care needed by women and children.
• 🌟 Working together as mother and daughter, Dr. Abdi and Dr. Mohamed face the challenges of working in dangerous and scary situations, but also find fulfillment in helping others and pushing each other to do more.
• 🏥 The clinic provides much-needed medical care to a large number of patients, with a limited number of doctors and nurses, showcasing the determination and resilience of the staff.
• 🙌 The work of Dr. Abdi, Dr. Mohamed, and their team has created a sense of security and community in the clinic camp, fostering respect, cooperation, and a positive environment for the residents.

Questions & Answers

Q: What challenges do doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed face while running the medical clinic in Somalia?

Doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed face numerous challenges while running the medical clinic. They are physically exhausted from seeing hundreds of patients each morning, but they prioritize treating the severely ill. Additionally, they have to manage a camp with 90,000 people, which requires strategic organization and resources.

Q: How do doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed empower women and children in their community?

Doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed empower women and children by providing them with much-needed medical care and a sense of security. They have implemented rules against clan divisions and domestic violence, creating an environment where women are respected and protected. They also run an elementary school for 850 children, with the majority being women and girls.

Q: What inspired doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed to become doctors and work together?

Doctor Hawa Abdi was inspired to become a doctor after witnessing the dedication and commitment of doctors treating her sick mother. Doctor Deqo Mohamed initially wanted to pursue other professions but decided to become a gynecologist after seeing her mother's need for medical care during the civil war. They both studied in Russia and returned to Somalia to work with their mother and help the people in need.

Q: What is the biggest challenge of working in dangerous and scary situations for doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed?

The biggest challenge of working in dangerous and scary situations for doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed is the constant risk to their own safety. Despite the dangers, they choose to stay with the people who need their help and do whatever they can to make a difference. They are deeply committed to their patients and are motivated by the opportunity to provide critical care.

Q: What is the best part of working with their mother and the most challenging part for Doctor Deqo Mohamed?

The best part of working with their mother, Doctor Hawa Abdi, for Doctor Deqo Mohamed is the invaluable training and mentorship she receives. Doctor Hawa Abdi pushes them to do more and be better individuals, even when they feel they are reaching their limits. The most challenging part is meeting her high standards and managing the demanding workload, but the experience has made Doctor Deqo Mohamed stronger and more capable.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Doctors Hawa Abdi and Deqo Mohamed run a medical clinic in Somalia, caring for women and children affected by the civil war.

• They provide medical care, including C-sections and operations, to around 400 patients each morning.

• The doctors have implemented two important rules in their camp: no clan distinguished and political division, and a strict policy against domestic violence.