Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) medical officers have performed hernia surgeries on Somali patients at Dhobley Level II Hospital, providing specialist surgical care in an area where access to such services remains limited.
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle or surrounding tissue, often causing pain, discomfort or complications if left untreated. Treatment may require surgery to repair the weakened area and prevent further problems.
The operations were conducted on patients suffering from hernia-related complications, with KDF saying the procedures were completed by a team of senior medical officers and other healthcare professionals.
“Through careful surgical intervention, the team removed the protruding tissue and reinforced the weakened areas using surgical mesh,” KDF said in a statement on Saturday.
“The procedures were far more than routine medical interventions; they were life-changing moments that brought renewed hope and the promise of a better quality of life.”
The surgeries were carried out as part of KDF’s support role under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), where military personnel undertake security operations alongside medical and community support activities.
AUSSOM brings together forces from African Union (AU) member states to support Somalia’s efforts to strengthen security and counter threats posed by armed groups, including Al-Shabaab and affiliates linked to ISIL/Daesh.
The mission works alongside Somali security forces by providing coordination, tactical assistance and support aimed at improving their operational capabilities.
AUSSOM also supports efforts to build the capacity and readiness of Somali security forces to gradually assume full responsibility for national security.
The mission similarly provides support in securing key population centres, government facilities and critical infrastructure, including airports and seaports, while protecting African Union and United Nations personnel, installations and assets.
“In the event of domestic disputes, AUSSOM troops are required to remain politically neutral and prioritise the protection of civilians,” the mission’s website reads.
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