Dr. Hassen Sherief, Psychiatrist for International Medical Corps in Ethiopia

04 August 2009

International Medical Corps sadly announces the passing of Dr. Hassen Sherief, who died after a short illness on July 24, 2009. Dr. Hassen was a psychiatrist working on International Medical Corps’ program for Somali refugees near Jijiga in Ethiopia.

“This is a devastating loss, not only for Dr. Hassen’s family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies, but also to all the people in Jijiga and the surrounding area, including 17,000 refugees, for whom Dr. Hassen provided mental health services,” said International Medical Corps President & CEO Nancy Aossey.

Dr. Hassen can be seen working with Somali refugees in BBC Lifeline’s appeal for International Medical Corps, filmed in April of 2009.      

“Dr. Hassen was an extraordinary man. He gave up a prestigious job in Addis Ababa and chose to come to a remote part of Ethiopia that had not previously had a psychiatrist, to serve the local people and the refugee population,” said Dr. Lynne Jones, Senior Mental Health Specialist with International Medical Corps. “It was a joy to watch him work with patients and teach others - as you can see in the recent BBC Lifeline film. It was a privilege to know him and I will miss him greatly as will all who knew him.”