(From Right Dr. Andy. Prof. Sulaiman, Marieke, Dr. Walhad, Prof. Parry and

Dr. Seema)

 

A FRUITFULL VISIT.

 

The  President of Amoud University,  Borama, Somaliland Prof. Suleiman Ahmed Guleid and The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of Amoud University Dr. Said Ahmed Walhad were invited in London on the 27th of March 2006.  Prof. Guleid and Dr. Walhad were invited by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET)  and Kings College Hospital (a Medical School) of London University.

 

 These two organizations are partners to Amoud University?s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Borama General Hospital as well as Edna Child and Maternity Hospital and Hargeisa Group Hospital.

 

 The purpose of the invitation and the visit of the President of Amoud University, Prof. Guleid and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dr.Walhad by these two organisations was to  further the link between Amoud University and these two organization and to participate THET Annual Conference, in which Prof. Guleid wa requested to deliver a key note speech.

 

During the first week of their stay, from the 29th of March to the 6th  of April 2006 the delegation from Amoud had extensive as well as intensive discussions with Key officials at Kings College, Guys and St. Thomas Hospitals, which constitute the largest medical centres in London. During these discussions officials from these organizations indicated their willingness to further strength the partnership. The two sides have also explored and identified areas of further cooperation. With regard to this objective, Senior members of the management of Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) and Kings College London representatives will visit Amoud University in May and June of this year.

 

 The annual conference of  the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) was held on the 7th of April 2006 at the headquarters of the Royal Society of Medicine in central London. Also the World Health organization (WHO) used this occasion for the launch of its Annual Report of the year 2006. In  this well attended and well organized meeting Professor Suleiman Ahmed Guleid delivered a keynote Speech in which he addressed the political transformations and accomplishments of Somaliland, the steady restoration and improvements of basic social services and the achievements of Amoud University in general and that of the Faculty of medicine and Surgery in particular. Prof. Guleid who is well known for his ease with words and grip of his audiences, whoever they may be, delivered his well anticipated speech with an impressive eloquence and lucidity, fascinating fervour and spellbinding enthusiasm that received a well deserved ovation.  It is noteworthy to mention here also that Professor Guleid had briefed numerous media organizations and attended various interviews including the flagship BBC-Radio Four Today programme.

 

At present the enrollment of Amoud University, which was established in 1998 , stands at over 600 students in five faculties, namely:

 

            ?        Faculty of Education;

 

?        Faculty of Business and Public Administration;

 

?        Faculty of Medicine and Surgery;

 

?        Faculty of Agriculture and Environment; and the

 

?        Faculty of Distance Learning and Information      

 

          Technology (IT). 

 

 On the 18 ? 21th of April Amoud delegation will also visit the city of Henley-on-Thames on the invitation of Borama Henley Friendship Association. They will hold discussions with members of the association, city authorities and other organizations in Henley-on-Thames and its environs. Amoud delegation, Prof. Guleid and Dr Walhad, will tour major cities in the United kingdom in which there are sizable Somaliland communities and supporters of Amoud University. During their working tour they will be briefing the communities on the recent political achievements and present situation of Somaliland. They will also explore other potential linkages for the Somaliland health and educational institutions and their UK counterparts.