In a country striving to recover amid prolonged challenges, Dr. Abdirahman Ali Awali, widely known as Dr. Habeeb, has emerged over the past two decades as a leading figure in mental health in Somalia. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of his organization, Habeeb Mental Health and Rehabilitation, established on November 24, 2005.
Over the years, what began as a modest initiative has grown into one of the largest mental health institutions in East Africa, providing professional and compassionate care to thousands of patients who were once marginalized, chained, or living on the streets.
A Humanitarian Journey Beginning on the Streets
Dr. Habeeb recalls the moment that inspired his mission:
“The turning point came when I saw a group of young girls with mental health disorders being abused in the streets. Staying silent felt like a crime. Establishing a specialized center became an ethical duty before it was a professional project.”
From this experience, he established the first post-war mental health center, which has now evolved into an organization managing four main centers in Mogadishu and its outskirts, serving about 600 residents aged 17 to 33.
Rescuing a Homeless Elderly Man
In April 2025, Dr. Habeeb made headlines after rescuing an elderly man with a mental disorder wandering Mogadishu’s streets.
“He was alone and lost… I couldn’t leave him there. We took him immediately to Habeeb Center to begin his treatment journey,” he said.
This case was part of a wider awareness campaign to challenge misconceptions about mental illness.
“A mental patient doesn’t need chains; they need a doctor, medication, and compassion,” Dr. Habeeb added.
Challenges and Perseverance
Despite limited resources, the organization continues its mission.
“We serve 600 residents, yet food supplies sometimes only cover 100. Still, we never close our doors. Leaving any patient on the street would betray our professional ethics,” he explained.
345,000 Cases: A Sobering Reality
During the World Mental Health Day celebration on October 10, 2025, Dr. Habeeb revealed that approximately 345,000 people in Somalia suffer from varying mental health disorders, many living chained or without care.
“The lack of specialized training exacerbates the challenge and hinders rehabilitation efforts,” he said.
Training the Next Generation
On July 16, 2025, the organization graduated 54 new mental health specialists after a three-month diploma program in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“The biggest challenge is not just the disease itself, but the lack of trained professionals. We are preparing the next generation of mental health specialists,” Dr. Habeeb emphasized.
Addado: Somalia’s First Modern Mental Hospital
In May 2024, the organization inaugurated the first specialized mental health hospital in Addado, receiving about 900 patients from Somalia, Puntland, Somaliland, and the Somali Region of Ethiopia. This marked the transformation of the organization from a small volunteer initiative into a national healthcare institution.
Stories That Define the Mission
In addition to the elderly man, the organization provided immediate care on April 13, 2025, to a young man found wandering the streets.
“These stories fuel our work. We restore to those who lost themselves their right to a dignified life,” Dr. Habeeb said.
Raising Awareness
Dr. Habeeb has launched widespread awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and mosques to dismantle misconceptions about mental illness.
“Many still associate mental illness with possession or shame. Our mission is to redefine it as a treatable medical condition,” he said.
International Recognition
Dr. Habeeb has been nominated for the Somali Hero Awards, one of the most prestigious humanitarian awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to social and health causes. The award ceremony is scheduled next month in the United States, attracting global Somali and international attention.
Twenty Years Later
Reflecting on two decades of work, Dr. Habeeb said:
“Twenty years of pain and hope… we have saved thousands of lives, but the mission is far from over. I dream of a day when mental health becomes an integral part of Somalia’s healthcare system, not a luxury or an afterthought.”
Conclusion
After twenty years, Habeeb Mental Health and Rehabilitation has become a cornerstone of Somalia’s healthcare system, a beacon of hope for patients who lived in the shadows. Dr. Habeeb has shown that a single individual with determination and compassion can transform a nation’s approach to mental health.
Mental health is a human right, not a stigma.
