Supporting trauma care and health resilience in Somalia
Background
In December 2022, Aspen Medical commenced a five-year agreement with the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to manage a Role 1+ field hospital within Mogadishu International Airport. Originally established in 2012, the facility provides emergency and primary healthcare for United Nations international personnel, including staff from UNSOS, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Services also extend, when required, to diplomatic missions, UN-contracted vendors and Somali National Army personnel.
Operating in Mogadishu—a highly dangerous environment due to ongoing conflict and terrorism—this project builds on Aspen Medical’s experience delivering healthcare in complex humanitarian settings.
Approach
Aspen Medical rapidly mobilised a 36-person multidisciplinary team within 25 days of contract award, ensuring seamless continuity of care despite severe operational challenges. Services include:
- emergency trauma care and paramedic outreach within the airport
- surgery and damage control, pre- and post-operative care and ICU services
- outpatient care, pharmacy, dental, mental health and physiotherapy services
- female wellness and reproductive healthcare
- diagnostic imaging, laboratory and blood transfusion services
- biomedical equipment maintenance.
Beyond clinical care, Aspen Medical also provides:
- mentoring and training for ATMIS medical personnel
- joint mass casualty training exercises
- coordinated emergency response planning with UN and Somali health teams.
Results
- Rapid mobilisation and uninterrupted care delivery under constant security threats, including regular rocket attacks targeting the airport precinct.
- Comprehensive hospital-level care for UN, ATMIS and international personnel.
- Embedded mentoring and emergency preparedness practices with ATMIS and Somali partners.
- Strengthened collaboration with local and UN health services to improve joint response capabilities.
- Improved access to critical care, including reproductive and mental health services.
Outcome
Aspen Medical’s management of the Mogadishu field hospital is enhancing trauma response and health system resilience in one of the world’s most dangerous and complex environments. By deploying an experienced and capable clinical workforce, embedding training and preparedness into daily operations and maintaining continuity despite persistent security threats, Aspen Medical supports mission effectiveness and protects the wellbeing of international and Somali personnel.