2025 AFHE Senior Fellow Convening in Addis Ababa

Africa CDC is the African Union’s specialized public health institution, dedicated to improving the continent’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats. They provide technical support to member states, assist with disease surveillance and outbreak response, and help strengthen the continent’s public health infrastructure. Africa CDC plays a crucial role in public health across Africa by ensuring member countries are better equipped to handle health crises and improve their health systems, particularly in response to emerging infectious diseases. Their target beneficiaries include public health professionals, governments, and vulnerable communities affected by disease outbreaks.

Mafi Mafi Fashion Hub promotes sustainable fashion through innovative designs that incorporate traditional Ethiopian materials and eco-friendly production methods. It empowers local artisans, particularly women, by providing them with a platform to showcase their craftsmanship. Mafi Mafi engages artisans by providing skill-building workshops, fair trade practices, and collaborative design processes. It also promotes eco-friendly fashion to the broader community.

A non-profit dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families in Ethiopia, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The organization provides financial assistance for treatment, counseling, and advocacy for better pediatric cancer care in Ethiopia. Through community outreach and fundraising, Tesfa Addis raises awareness about childhood cancer and works to improve early diagnosis and treatment access. Their services help alleviate the financial and emotional burdens faced by families, ensuring that no child has to fight cancer alone.

Founded by former first lady of Ethiopia, Dr. Catherine Hamlin, Hamlin Fistula Hospital is dedicated to the treatment of obstetric fistulas, a condition caused by prolonged labor without proper medical attention. The hospital provides life-changing surgeries to women suffering from fistulas, restoring their health and dignity. In addition to surgical treatment, Hamlin Fistula Hospital offers rehabilitation programs and social reintegration support to help women rebuild their lives after treatment. The hospital also runs a midwifery school to train women in obstetric care, addressing the need for skilled healthcare providers in rural areas. The hospital’s beneficiaries include women suffering from obstetric fistulas, particularly those from rural areas who lack access to specialized healthcare.

Debora Foundation is a non-profit organization in Ethiopia dedicated to creating an inclusive society for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through its focus on inclusive education, quality healthcare, and policy advocacy, the foundation works to address societal stigma and enable individuals with disabilities to become active participants in society. Debora Foundation has contributed significantly to the development of inclusive education policies and awareness, including its role in the Inclusive Education National Taskforce and partnerships with various stakeholders. Key initiatives include the Deborah Village, which houses the Deborah Academy and vocational training programs, and ongoing health programs such as ophthalmologic and ENT screenings for children. Through these efforts, Debora Foundation continues to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in Ethiopia.

Lotus MCH is a private healthcare facility that offers a range of maternal and child health services, including prenatal care, safe childbirth, postnatal care, and family planning. Known for its patient-centered approach, the clinic ensures that mothers receive personalized care during pregnancy and childbirth. The clinic also focuses on education and outreach to promote maternal and child health within the local community. Target beneficiaries are pregnant women, mothers, and children who need quality healthcare services. Lotus MCH works to reduce maternal and child mortality rates by providing accessible and affordable care in a comfortable environment.

Gandhi Memorial Hospital is one of the oldest and most trusted hospitals in Addis Ababa, offering a range of affordable healthcare services to underserved populations. Specializing in maternal health, the hospital focuses on providing comprehensive maternity care, including prenatal, postnatal, and delivery services. It also serves women facing gender-based violence (GBV) at the only one-stop gender-based violence center in the country, offering counseling, legal referrals, and support services for those in crisis. Participants will have an opportunity to visit the GBV center.

Ethiopia Skate is a youth empowerment organization that uses skateboarding as a tool to engage marginalized young people. By offering skateboarding programs, mentorship, and educational workshops, Ethiopia Skate fosters creativity, skill-building, and social change. The organization provides a platform for youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to express themselves through skateboarding while also helping them develop life skills and a sense of belonging. Their beneficiaries are youth from marginalized communities, many of whom are given the opportunity to pursue new hobbies, gain confidence, and receive mentorship that promotes social change.

Sabahar Ethiopia Textile Weaving is a social enterprise that specializes in producing high-quality, handwoven textiles using traditional Ethiopian techniques. They are committed to ethical and sustainable practices, providing fair wages and safe working conditions for its artisans. Sabahar’s products include a range of textiles such as scarves, shawls, throws, and home decor items, all crafted from natural fibers like silk, cotton, and hemp. Through its work, Sabahar supports local communities and promotes Ethiopian craftsmanship on a global scale.

Hadero is a renowned coffee roasting plant based in Ethiopia, dedicated to producing premium, sustainably sourced coffee. The company focuses on roasting high-quality beans from Ethiopia’s rich coffee-growing regions. Hadero combines traditional techniques with modern roasting methods to preserve the distinct characteristics of Ethiopian coffee, offering a variety of blends and single-origin options.