In a pioneering step to enhance the health sector in East Africa, and within the framework of the reverse linkage project that is being implemented in cooperation between Ain Shams University Digital Hospital affiliated with Ain Shams University, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Indonesian International Development Agency (Indo Aid), the Intensive Care Unit was opened at the University of East Africa, as the first unit of its kind in the Bosaso region - Somalia.

This care serves about 800,000 people in Bosaso region, in addition to thousands who come from neighboring regions to seek health services.

It is worth noting that the unit is equipped with the latest global medical technologies, and is characterized by the ability to receive remote medical consultations, which enables the provision of advanced health care to patients without the need to travel. To ensure the highest levels of quality, intensive and integrated programs were implemented to build the capacity of medical teams and IT teams, with about 40 people participating in these programs over the past months of the project. These programs aimed to develop the skills of the teams and ensure the provision of high-quality health services that meet the needs of patients with the best standards.

A specialized Egyptian team, consisting of intensive care consultants and specialized nurses, was also sent to support the operation of the intensive care unit for three months. To ensure the smooth operation of the unit, the head of the intensive care team attended the opening in cooperation with the technology team leader, to follow up on the operational processes and ensure technical and medical readiness to provide optimal healthcare.

Ain Shams University continues to provide continuous support to the unit through remote medical consultations, as this cooperation provides access to the expertise of specialized intensive care consultants to provide medical guidance, and enhances the unit’s ability to meet patients’ needs effectively and sustainably.

This project is a living example of enhancing cooperation between Egypt and African countries, as it aims to improve the level of health services and raise the quality of life for the population in Somalia, in line with the goals of stability and prosperity of the country. This project represents an extension of previous partnerships between the concerned parties, and a strategic step towards establishing a virtual intensive care network in Africa. This network will benefit from the expertise of Ain Shams University consultants and other specialists to provide effective and high-quality medical services.

The opening ceremony was held on November 20, 2024, in the presence of a number of dignitaries, including His Excellency the President of Puntland State, His Excellency the Indonesian Ambassador, and representatives from the Islamic Development Bank, the Indonesian International Development Agency, and Ain Shams Digital Hospital.