Ahmed Moalim Hirsi retired after 26 years of service with WHO Somalia in polio eradication. His career began in 1998 amidst significant humanitarian challenges. He played a vital role in reducing polio cases and achieving wild poliovirus-free status in 2014. Post-retirement, he continues to serve his community through free orthopedic care, exemplifying selfless dedication to public health.
Ahmed Moalim Hirsi has retired after an impressive 26-year career dedicated to combating polio in Somalia, reflecting on his contributions to public health. Beginning his journey with the WHO in April 1998, he faced tremendous challenges in a war-torn country. His professional training as a nurse equipped him with crucial skills to serve communities, beginning in remote areas of Somalia before joining WHO’s efforts to eradicate polio.
In his role as a Regional Polio Officer and later as Puntland Zonal Polio Officer, Ahmed led initiatives that significantly reduced polio cases. His commitment to surveillance and vaccination delivered vital immunizations even in hard-to-reach areas. He recalls, “When I started, Somalia was in turmoil… We brought hope to communities by fighting polio, one child at a time.”
Ahmed’s contributions culminated in Somalia achieving wild poliovirus-free status in 2014. He asserts, “We ensured that every town and village had skilled teams capable of delivering vaccines… Eradicating the wild poliovirus from Somalia wasn’t just a success – it was a massive victory.” His systematic approach built lasting health infrastructure in these communities.
Throughout his journey, Ahmed faced personal hardships, including a severe motorcycle accident in 2010, which resulted in lifelong physical injuries. Reflecting on this, he remarked, “This work has not been without its risks… the sacrifices were worth it. We achieved so much for the children of Somalia.”
Despite retirement, Ahmed remains active, providing orthopedic care in Qardho for free, demonstrating his dedication to his community. He sees his traditional skills as a service, stating, “I use this skill to help the people… I consider this work as charity.” His actions illustrate unswerving commitment to the health and well-being of others, cementing his legacy.
Ahmed’s story is an inspiration, epitomizing dedication to public health and health worker resilience in Somalia. His lifelong impact will resonate through the children he vaccinated and the health system he helped construct, ensuring future advancements in healthcare. He encourages others to continue serving their communities selflessly beyond retirement, leaving a valuable and lasting legacy.
Ahmed Moalim Hirsi’s extensive background in nursing and his role with WHO are critical in understanding his impactful career fighting polio in Somalia. His work began in a challenging socio-political landscape, and his actions contributed greatly towards achieving a polio-free status in the country. The widespread health challenges, misinformation regarding vaccinations, and the necessity of community engagement present a backdrop to his lifelong commitment to public health.
Ahmed Moalim Hirsi’s retirement signifies the end of a remarkable era in polio eradication in Somalia. His dedication and selfless service left a profound impact on the community, both through immunization campaigns and continued orthopedic care after retirement. His legacy persists in the improved health infrastructure of Somalia and the lives of countless children vaccinated against polio, emphasizing the importance of public service and dedication in healthcare.
Original Source: www.emro.who.int
