Dr. Hawa Abdi Wins the 2008 Awdal Achievement Award                                                                                Dr.Hawa, right, and her daughter, Dr. Amina, 2007. Courtesy of Abukar Ahmed/LA Times 

Dr. Hawa Abdi wins the Amoud Foundation 2008 Awdal Achievement Award. The award was announced at the foundation’s annual dinner in Irving , Texas , on March 28, 2009 .

Dr. Hawa was one of the first female Somali gynecologists. In 1983 she founded the Hawa Abdi Community Hospital for Women and Children in Afgoye , Somalia . When the Somali government collapsed in 1991, thousands of displaced people fled Mogadishu and camped out in the open around her hospital. She opened the doors of her hospital and provided not only medical care, but food, water and comfort. By late 2007, up to 20,000 displaced people were being cared for in and around her hospital.

With her advanced medical education, Dr. Hawa, like many of her compatriots, could have left and established a life of luxury and comfort for herself in North America or Europe . But she opted to stay with her people and make a difference. Amoud Foundation has been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Hawa, her staff, and volunteers in delivering relief supplies to the displaced people of Mogadishu .

Amoud Foundation salutes Dr. Hawa for her selfless service and sacrifice to her people and country.   

 For more information about the Awdal Achievement Award and its history, visit http://www.amoudfoundation.com/