Tribute to Death of Dr Ahmed Mohamed Hassan

Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, simply known as “Dr Ahmed Food-Adde” by most, is a cardiologist by profession, graduated from Padova University of medicine, Italy, in 1965. He also attained a Diploma in Cardiology in 1969 from the same University and in 1973; he received MS in Health Administration in Alexandria, Egypt. 

As a practitioner, he became one of the elite medical doctors in Somalia before being appointed Director of the Medical Services Department of the Ministry of Health in 1970. In 1972, he was elected President of the Somali Red Crescent, the National Society of the nascent state of Somalia since 1965. End of 1980, he handed over responsibility to the National Society to the Vice President and left Somalia to work with World Health Organisation Regional Office in Alexandria, Egypt. After four years, he resumed his duties as president of the Somali Red Crescent. 

For the past two and a half decades in one of the most difficult and challenging political and security environment marred by political divide and armed conflict, Dr Ahmed’s wisdom, humility and strict commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have allowed him to maintain the Unity of the Somali Red Crescent, ensuring that the National Society could deliver vital services to vulnerable people across the country. Dr Ahmed’s legacy is evident in the high esteem in which the Somali Red Crescent is held, both within the Movement, by partners in the humanitarian sector and, most importantly, by the local communities he has done so much to serve.

During all those years, Dr Ahmed has also represented the Somali Red Crescent Society at international events and conferences where SRCS was awarded different medals including a Gold Medal by the Spanish Red Cross and the Henry Davison Award (an award conferred to National Societies or individuals who have given outstanding services to the benefit of IFRC) in 2009. 

He also received the Peace and Humanity Award from the Queen of England on 29 October 1993. Overall, Dr Ahmed has greatly contributed to the work and unity of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. 

Dr Ahmed has greatly contributed to building successful partnerships with Movement partners in order to enhance the effectiveness of the humanitarian response carried out by the National Society in Somalia. His wisdom and ability to find consensus was invaluable throughout the two terms he served as a member of the IFRC Governing Board between 2001 and 2009 and also with the different Commissions and Advisory Bodies. 

Dr. Ahmed has been a friend to all and spoke for the vulnerable people in Somalia especially in the area of building the resilience of communities affected by the conflict and natural disasters. He will be remembered for his exemplary leadership and promoting the good image of the National Society as a principled, respectable, reliable indigenous organization, well recognized and acknowledged for its outstanding humanitarian services to the Somali people.

By: Abdulkadir Afi