Home - Friends of Edna's Skip to content One small donation could make a world of difference Donate today to help mothers and infants in Somaliland. Donate Somaliland has one of the highest Maternal and Infant mortality rates in the world 01. Maternal Mortality In Somaliland, the maternal mortality rate is 732 deaths per 100,000 and approximately 4000 mothers die in childbirth each year. 02. Infant Mortality About 1 in 11 children die in infancy and the infant mortality rate is 73 deaths per 1000 and the under-5 rate is 117 per 1000 03. Female circumcision 99% of women in Somaliland have had their genitals mutilated and this can lead to health complications later in life. 04. Healthcare In Somaliland, healthcare is difficult to access for many communities which is why Edna hospital and others are training 1000 midwives with your donations. Find Out More Building a System of Health Care in Somaliland Each morning at 7 a.m., after sharing breakfast and updates with her clinical staff, Dr. Edna Adan, a force of nature in Somaliland, walks from her modest apartment at the Edna Adan University & Hospital (EAUH) to her office. Her steps are purposeful, as is her mission: to transform the educational landscape and health care in Somaliland. With a legacy stretching back decades, Adan’s remarkable journey intertwines a deep compassion with a sincere desire to uplift her people. Her story is one of resilience, vision and an unwavering commitment to change. Edna Adan Ismail Receives the 2023 Templeton Prize for her work in Somaliland Edna Adan Ismail was honored with the 2023 Templeton Prize for her outstanding efforts in healthcare and women’s rights in Somaliland. As the founder of Edna Adan University Hospital, she has significantly improved maternal and child health while advocating for gender equality. Ismail’s remarkable dedication continues to inspire positive change and empowerment, making a lasting impact on healthcare and society. Edna Adan Hospital The Edna Adan hospital has been operating as a nonprofit charity in Somaliland since 2002 Somaliland’s Healthcare system was utterly destroyed by the civil war leaving the country with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world alongside a whole host of other issues. The mission of the hospital is to train fully qualified healthcare professionals, combat female genital mutilation and train 1000 midwives across the country. Latest Newsletters The Friends of Edna’s Maternity Hospital publishes two printed newsletters each year, in May and early December, to update readers briefly on news from the Hospital and on how their donations are being used to support Edna’s mission. view all Dec 14, 2025 FRIENDS OF EDNA’S MATERNITY HOSPITAL 2025-26 HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER May 3, 2024 FRIENDS OF EDNA’S MATERNITY HOSPITAL 2024 MOTHERS’ AND FATHERS’ DAY NEWSLETTER Donate today Our hospital exists because of your generous donations. With your contributions, we are able to serve more women and children in need. Your gift makes a real lasting difference in the lives of many. Thank you for your contribution. You can also become a volunteer Send an email to [email protected] with your resume as well as desired dates and duration of stay Send a copy of your passport and other travel documents A letter of reccomendation from your employer or academic institution Join