EDNA Adan Ismail, a dedicated nurse-midwife, hospital founder, and champion for women’s health care in East Africa, has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Templeton Prize.
The Templeton Prize, one of the largest individual awards in the world, recognises individuals who utilise scientific knowledge to explore the fundamental questions surrounding humanity’s purpose and place in the universe.
Ismail, the first African woman to receive this honour, has made significant contributions to improving women’s health and combating female circumcision. Her efforts, deeply rooted in her Muslim faith, have been instrumental in affirming the dignity of women and promoting their physical and spiritual well-being. Notably, she founded a hospital and university that have had a remarkable impact on reducing maternal mortality in Somaliland.
Heather Templeton Dill, President of the John Templeton Foundation, stated, ‘Edna Adan Ismail has employed her positions of authority to passionately argue against female circumcision, highlighting its violation of Islamic teachings and the harm it inflicts upon women.’
At 85 years old, Ismail plans to allocate a portion of her prize money to the US-based Friends of Edna Maternity Hospital. These funds will be utilised for purchasing new equipment, hiring educators, and training the next generation of much-needed healthcare workers in East Africa.
Born in 1937 in Hargeisa, the capital of former British Somaliland, Ismail’s journey in healthcare began as the country’s first medically trained nurse-midwife. Overcoming various challenges, she became the first woman to drive a car in her nation and held a prominent political position as the Director of the Ministry of Health.
Ismail later served as a regional technical officer for maternal and child health at the World Health Organisation (WHO) and as a WHO representative to Djibouti. Despite her successful international career, she decided to return home with a vision to build a hospital. With the support of the newly formed Somaliland government, she acquired a piece of land that had previously been a garbage dump.
By selling her own assets and garnering global funds after her story appeared in The New York Times, Ismail successfully constructed the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in 2002. Despite the lack of international recognition, the hospital achieved remarkable progress in Somaliland’s healthcare system, significantly reducing maternal mortality. In 2010, the hospital’s education programme expanded into Edna Adan University, training more than 4,000 students in medical professions. With 80 percent of the staff and 70 percent of the students being women, the hospital continues to deliver more than 30,000 babies.
Throughout her career, Ismail has been a vocal critic of female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice prevalent in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies. Having personally endured FGM at a young age, Ismail has tirelessly advocated against it, emphasising that Islam forbids the practice. Her efforts to raise awareness and initiate change have faced initial shock and threats but have also garnered widespread interest and support.
Ismail’s commitment to ending FGM extends beyond her advocacy work. She believes that prioritising preventive measures and healthcare accessibility is crucial, rather than solely focusing on treating the trauma inflicted on girls who have undergone FGM.
The Templeton Prize has previously honoured notable individuals such as Mother Teresa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Jane Goodall. By awarding Edna Adan Ismail, the Templeton Foundation recognises her significant contributions to improving women’s health, promoting dignity, and her dedication to tackling pressing healthcare challenges.
