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Author: Web Master

A Year of Wonders and Achievements for Acıbadem Türkiye

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Once again, Acıbadem Türkiye has made history with extraordinary medical breakthroughs and pioneering treatment methods. This remarkable year has seen milestones such as the successful treatment of a 67-year-old Parkinson’s patient and the completion of a highly complex separation surgery for conjoined twins joined at the chest. These and countless other achievements have solidified Acıbadem’s reputation as the trusted choice for solving some of the world’s most challenging medical cases.

Crowning this incredible year, Acıbadem Türkiye has been honored with the prestigious title of “Greatest Healthcare Exporter” for the 9th consecutive time, reaffirming its unparalleled leadership in global healthcare.

Crossing Borders, Connecting Patients Across the Globe

As one of the world’s leading international healthcare providers, Acıbadem continues to set the standard for excellence with 24 hospitals, 15 outpatient clinics, and a dedicated team of over 25,000 healthcare professionals. With a strong presence in Türkiye, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, and the Netherlands, Acıbadem’s state-of-the-art medical facilities are a beacon of hope for patients worldwide.

Beyond its regional footprint, Acıbadem operates over 60 representative offices across 56 cities in 33 countries, ensuring patients everywhere can access world-class healthcare closer to home. This expansive network underscores Acıbadem’s mission to connect with patients globally and extend its outreach even further.

Acıbadem is not just a provider, it is a pioneer in healthcare innovation. Supported by a team of over 3,300 specialists and 4,700 nurses, the organization leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional care. Acıbadem’s portfolio includes:

• 20 breast centers, including a newly opened facility this year in Istanbul.
• 11 accredited oncology centers.
• 16 heart care centers.
• 14 fertility centers.
• 10 organ transplantation centers.
• 10 spine and neurosurgery centers.
• 10 nuclear medicine centers.
•  6 robotic surgery centers.
•  3 FIFA-accredited sports medicine centers.

These centers are dedicated to providing the highest standards of care in their respective fields, solidifying Acıbadem’s reputation as a global leader in healthcare.

Innovations at Acıbadem Türkiye: Redefining Global Healthcare Excellence

Acıbadem Türkiye is celebrated worldwide for its groundbreaking medical achievements and unparalleled expertise in managing even the most complex medical cases. With a patient-centered approach and personalized treatment plans, Acıbadem has become a destination of hope for patients from across the globe. In 2023, the institution provided high-quality medical care to 55,000 patients from 148 countries, a testament to its reputation as a trusted choice for advanced healthcare. This unwavering trust has earned Acıbadem the prestigious title of “Greatest Healthcare Service Exporter” for an unprecedented 9th consecutive year.

While the dedication and expertise of Acıbadem’s world-class physicians remain at the heart of its success, cutting-edge technology plays an equally vital role. Acıbadem integrates advanced radiotherapy technologies, including CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, MR Linac, and Ethos, which leverage artificial intelligence to revolutionize cancer treatment. These technologies ensure unparalleled precision, safety, and efficacy, giving patients access to some of the most advanced medical solutions available today.

Acıbadem’s commitment to innovation extends far beyond current technologies. By continuously investing in research and advancements, the organization strives to set new benchmarks in patient safety, satisfaction, and surgical excellence, reaffirming its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

Some of the Groundbreaking Medical Achievements

In 2024, Acıbadem Türkiye welcomed 6 million patients from across the globe, each carrying stories of resilience and hope, ranging from plastic surgery to life-saving oncological treatmentsand organ transplantations. Among these were several remarkable cases that highlight Acıbadem’s expertise and commitment to transforming lives.

Separation of Conjoined Twins

At just 17 months old, conjoined twins from Algeria arrived at Acıbadem Atakent University Hospital in Istanbul for a life-changing separation surgery. Born with a congenital abnormality, the twins were joined at the chest and shared the pericardial sac, sternum, and chest tissues. Complicating matters further was a complex congenital heart condition.

The journey to separation involved months of meticulous planning and two surgeries totaling nine hours, performed by a multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Thanks to extensive preoperative care, precision surgery, and thorough postoperative support, the twins now enjoy the freedom of independent lives.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease

After 11 years of battling Parkinson’s disease, a 67-year-old patient from Azerbaijan turned to Acıbadem Türkiye for hope. Her condition caused debilitating symptoms such as tremors, slowed movements, and dyskinesia as the effects of her medication wore off.

Under the care of Professor Dr. Fatih Bayraklı, she underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a procedure designed to restore control over her movements. Following the successful surgery, she returned to her home country free from the symptoms that had disrupted her life for over a decade.

IVF Success for a Patient from Azerbaijan

A woman from Azerbaijan in her 40s, seeking to overcome the challenges of advanced maternal age, approached Acıbadem Türkiye’s IVF center. Guided by Professor Dr. Cem Fıçıcıoğlu, the patient underwent comprehensive pre-treatment testing, including genetic screening of embryos to ensure the best outcomes.

Following the correction of an internal uterine deformity, the embryos were successfully implanted, and the patient achieved a healthy pregnancy. She returned to her country with the joy of carrying twins, marking yet another success story for Acıbadem’s IVF program.

These extraordinary cases underscore Acıbadem Türkiye’s position as a trusted destination for complex medical treatments. By combining cutting-edge technology, world-class expertise, and a compassionate approach, Acıbadem continues to transform lives and provide hope to patients worldwide.

Contact us now to get a free second medical opinion from our experts: https://acibademinternational.com

Invites Visionary enterpreneures to build transformative buisness

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Derived from the Swahili word for ‘bold’, ‘brave’, and ‘courageous’, Jasiri is a transformative program under Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to address critical societal challenges across Africa and meaningfully improve people’s lives. We invite visionary individuals from Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, passionate about building impactful businesses from scratch to apply for the Jasiri Talent Investor Program, Cohort 8. The application is open from 13th January 2025- 5th April 2025.

Youth unemployment is one of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Jasiri rmly believes that high-impact entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking the continent’s potential for job creation. Yet, aspiring entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to bring transformative ideas to life. Jasiri minimizes these barriers with a holistic, hands-on approach to entrepreneurship, ensuring that bold innovators can build businesses that benet society while contributing to an empowered, prosperous African citizenry.

Since 2021, we have supported 227 entrepreneurs who have created 93 ventures, with 81 of these ventures still active across 42 industries. These ventures operate in Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, addressing diverse challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, waste management, and more. Collectively, these startups have generated approximately 2,035 jobs and provided solutions that have positively impacted 12,627 individuals across their industries.

The Jasiri Talent Investor Program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to:

  • Transform Ideas into Impact: Takes a long-term holistic approach to developing entrepreneurs by providing them with the time and space to identify ideas through a process of Problem & Opportunity Identication, Customer Development, Product Development, and Market entry (Venture Creation)
  • Access Tailored Support: Fellows benet from a structured program comprising a one-month online Jasiri Jumpstart, a three-month residential intensive, and nine months of venture creation.
  • Cultivate Leadership Skills: The program fosters ethical leadership values and behaviors to ensure sustainable, meaningful contributions to African societies.
  • Collaborate with Like-Minded Innovators: We believe that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of successful venture creation, and provide the entrepreneur with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders.

If you are an individual with the drive to create businesses that address Africa’s most pressing challenges, we encourage you to apply for the Jasiri Talent Investor Program.

Applications are now open. Join us in transforming lives, creating jobs, and building a better future for Africa.

For further information about Jasiri Talent Investor, please contact Amandine Kayizali, Recruitment & Selection Manager, amandinek@jasiri.org.

To stay updated follow us @Jasiri4Africa.

About Jasiri

Jasiri invests in, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs who benet society and attack poverty by creating high-impact businesses, and new markets on the African continent. Jasiri believes that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of new venture creation and provide entrepreneurs with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders. The program supports new ventures from idea generation to venture creation and takes a long-term approach to developing exceptional, responsible entrepreneurs on the African continent.

THREADBARE TRADITIONS, WEAVING UNRAVELS FAST

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The looming scarcity of essential imported materials has overshadowed traditional weaving in Addis Abeba. Weavers recall a time when Timqet festivities meant a flurry of orders in the northern outskirts of Shero Meda. They once earned at least 2,000 Br a day, but now struggle to pull in half of that. The cost of thread alone has soared from 30 Br to 300 Br a roll. Forced to take on multiple roles, from delivery to marketing and embroidery, a few weavers strive to honour the legacy of their forebears in an industry many are abandoning. On the third floor of a building the city government allotted to local weavers, the atmosphere differs from the dynamic “Sunday Market” era they fondly remember. Their workshop is mostly empty, and the lack of direct trade partnerships has stifled the flow of raw materials. It has also inflated prices beyond the reach of many workers, forcing them to buy through layers of merchants. Some items sold by producers for 5,000 Br end up retailing at 80,000 Br, exposing a glaring imbalance.

Disruptions brought by a corridor development project eroded the market, demolishing the shops that once thrived in Shero Meda. Underpinning this anguish is the widespread shift among consumers towards printed and imported chiffon fabrics. Increasingly facing economic uncertainty, price-conscious buyers prefer these lighter, cheaper materials they can wear more often than the heavier, more expensive hand-woven garments. Adding to the pressure, merchants frequently mark up the cost of threads and other inputs, leaving weavers with razor-thin margins. Embroidery workshops on the second floor mirror the same malaise. Social media lures customers, but even machine embroidery, a faster and sometimes cheaper method, is not enough to spark the robust demand of previous Timqet seasons. Taxes also weigh heavily; one embroiderer was slapped with a 95,000 Br bill. To cope, some have branched into newer crafts, hoping to appeal to the growing appetite for chiffon and modern designs.

Even the fashion-conscious segment of the market is not insulated from the shortages. A few designers who blend traditional hand-woven fabrics into contemporary outfits may have found success with new T-shirts and blouses. However, it has been undercut by a chronic lack of working capital and unpredictable input supply. Fearful of faulty raw materials, they juggle multiple suppliers, driving up operational costs. Such constraints restricted the expansion of what could be a thriving industry. Officials at the Ministry of Culture & Sport acknowledge that the spindly chain leaves weavers at the bottom of the earning pyramid. Efforts are underway to build direct links between producers and exporters, as well as to brand and legally protect cultural clothing. Experts warn that without integration of the cotton and weaving sectors and an inflow of younger talent, the time-honoured craft might struggle to maintain a presence in a country known for its vibrant textile heritage.

Hailu Shawel’s Family Embroils in Billion-Birr Property Dispute

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The family of the late Hailu Shawel, a civil engineer and a prominent opposition leader, is embroiled in a high-stakes lawsuit over assets allegedly worth billions of Birr. His widow and several children have pitted against his eldest son, Samson, over a complex web of inheritance claims, share transfers, and allegations of mismanagement.

Samson demands tens of millions of Birr in reimbursement, the reassignment of shares, and a formal audit of the family’s estate.

Claiming a five percent share in Samson Sports Plc, known for its ownership of Laphto Mall, Samson has taken the extraordinary step of suing his mother and siblings for what he alleges is an under-capitalisation of his share in a venture his legal team claims to be valued at five billion Birr. He demands 27.7 million Br, claiming that his ownership stake has been improperly diluted.

Laphto Mall, built in 1997, was erected on 10,000Sqm of land near Besrate St. Gabriel Church, is a landmark in an upscale neighbourhood. It features 33 multi-purpose spaces and has been billed as a family-oriented commercial centre. Samson Sports Plc, operates additional subsidiaries, though Samson alleges the lines between family assets and corporate holdings have blurred.

The lawsuit, filed in December 2024 at the Federal First Instance Court in Nifas Silk Lafto District, brought one of the well-known families to the limelight. Hailu, the patriarch, was a towering figure in the political opposition, particularly during the highly contested 2005 national election. Hailu led a four-party alliance under the Coalition for Unity & Democracy (CUD), challenging the electoral hegemony of the EPRDF and winning Addis Abeba’s city council in a landslide. Hailu led the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) from 1996 to 2013.

The late Hailu had a storied career that placed him at the forefront of major public institutions. During his decades of service, he had stints heading the Ethiopian Transportation Authority, the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, and what was then the State Farms Development Authority. In 1983, he founded Shawel Consult International Plc, which eventually passed into the hands of his son, Shawel Hailu (PhD), who earned a doctorate from Wayne State University and currently holds CEO positions in Rekik Food Plc and SCI Plc.

When Hailu died in October 2016 at the age of 80, he left behind an expansive business that Samson claims “was never allocated in the orderly fashion mandated by Ethiopian inheritance laws.” He contended that his family’s “refusal to address alleged under-capitalisation and withheld dividends” compelled him to seek legal recourse. The affidavit of inheritance was registered twice, first in 2017 and later again to account for Pele’s interest, but Samson claimed that “shares remain improperly assigned.”

He also alleges that his mother and siblings have disregarded multiple attempts at an amicable resolution, pushing the family into limitations in a court of law.

Samson claimed that the defendants, his mother, Almaz Zewde, and siblings, including his brother, Shawel, along with Anteneh, Nadew, and Yamrot, have failed to pay his “rightful dividends,” ignoring repeated requests for accountability, and withholding what he claims is his inheritance. The legal wrangle intensified with Samson’s claim that he is entitled to additional shares once held by his late brother, Pele, who passed away after their father’s death and whose interest in the estate, Samson claims, has not been adequately recognised.

Samson contends that 2,743 shares in Samson Sports Plc were transferred to Shawel only temporarily in an era of political unrest, part of a broader process to safeguard the family’s assets should Hailu’s high-profile political activities draw unwanted attention. According to Samson’s affidavit, the initial intention was to register these shares under Pele, the youngest son, but the shares eventually ended up in Shawel’s name.

Samson appealed to judges that the shares belonged to him and the late Pele, arguing that the registration under Shawel was never meant to be permanent. He appealed to the Court to restore 274.3 of those shares, interest dating back to mid-2017, and to buy out his shares on the grounds that his position in the family enterprise had become “untenable.”

The case extends beyond the immediate question of Laphto Mall’s shares. Samson also claims the family has two houses in the Lafto District, one on 1,928Sqm and another on 1,258Sqm, which should be partially his, equivalent to 10.03pc ownership. He seeks 865,308.18 Br, which he says is his share of 9.4 million Br held in Nib International Bank and the Bank of Abyssinia accounts belonging to his late father. Included in Samson’s demands is a tranche of 792 shares in the Bank of Abyssinia, which he claims encompass inheritances from both Hailu and Pele.

Court documents also reveal he is pressing for payouts on 44 shares from Shawel Consult International Plc and 53 shares from Agrimecs Share Company, part of the late Hailu’s initial portfolio of 500 shares across different companies.

Samson alleges in his lawsuit that Almaz and Shawel, who hold a majority shares in Laphto Mall, “mismanaged corporate finances” and have “jeopardised the interests of other shareholders by diverting company and rental income for personal use.” The lawsuit alleges that dividends have not been distributed as required, leaving Samson to question the corporate structure built by his late father. He appealed for an official audit of company finances and a full accounting of the dividends he claims should have been paid since 2017, the year the inheritance was registered.

Court filings reveal Samson’s appeal for an immediate release of 10 million Br. He claims an urgent need for knee treatment in Bangkok, Thailand, which he says involves procedures necessary for his health and cannot be delayed while legal proceedings continue.

The Ethio-Alliance Advocates legal team, representing Samson, has summoned three witnesses — Bethlehem Ashenafi, Samson Hailu, and Firehiwot Mekonnen — to substantiate the allegations.

Edible Oil Industry on the Brink as Factories Shut Down, Succumb to Foreign Competition

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The edible oil industry is on the brink of collapse, with the number of fully operating factories plummeting from 60 three years ago to just four. Over 20 manufacturers have permanently closed, while many others produce only sporadically.

Rising raw material costs and economic instability have left manufacturers struggling. Industry players are calling for urgent policy reforms, including imposing customs duties on imported oils and exempting raw materials from VAT.

The Ethiopian Edible Oil Producers & Manufacturers Association (EOPMA) recently appealed to Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, warning that policy misalignment, tax adjustments, and unchecked imports have pushed the industry to the edge of collapse. Manufacturers argue that immediate action is needed to prevent further closures.

Local edible oil processors are losing market share as cheaper imported products dominate the market, driving consumer preference away from local alternatives. Many manufacturers have reduced production or shut down entirely due to higher factory gate prices for local oils compared to imported ones.

Mohammed Yusuf, board chairman of the Association, plans to lobby for higher duties and taxes on imported oils to support local producers. He argues that equal import duties on raw materials and finished products create an unfair playing field. He says the shortage of essential raw materials such as soybean, sunflower seed, sesame, and palm kernel, along with rising costs are major factors forcing manufacturers out of business.

“Imported oil must face duties,” Mohammed said. “The current conditions discourage new players from entering the market.”

VAT requirements have further raised production costs, inflating the final prices of locally produced oils. Over recent months, the price of a five-litre bottle of local edible oil has jumped by 300 Br (30pc) reaching 1,300 Br. The Association blames these increases on the new VAT levy.

The Association has appealed to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for duty on imported oil and tax exemptions for local manufacturers but has yet to receive a response.

Abay Edible Oil, a new entrant in Bahir Dar, has a plant capable of producing 200,000 litres of soybean oil daily. However, a severe soybean shortage has hindered operations.

Esubalew Mengesha, the deputy manager, stated that the company sources less than half of the 30,000 quintals of soybeans it needs daily. Soybean prices have doubled to 6,000 Br per quintal in the past four months, cutting production capacity by 80pc. The company is lobbying for VAT removal, as it has sharply raised the final price of a five-litre bottle from 900 Br to 1,160 Br.

Esubalew also says transportation costs have risen by 100pc in recent months, further straining the company and the industry. “We are really struggling,” he said.

Local producers, who could meet half the country’s demand, face forex shortages and what they call unfair competition from importers. Duty-free conditions on both raw materials and imported edible oils favour importers, reducing the local producers’ market share to five percent.

Rising cooking oil prices have hit ordinary citizens hard. Tigist Adane, a teacher, noted that the price of a five-litre bottle in her area has climbed to 1,400 Br from 1,000 Br within a few months. This comes amid surging prices for other staples, such as teff, now at 15,000 Br per quintal, and onions, at 110 Br a kilogram.

“It’s hard to afford anything anymore,” she lamented.

The federal government’s new tax strategy seeks to boost VAT collections and raise the tax-to-GDP ratio by 0.5pc this year. This aligns with a broader tax reform plan agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July, which targets a four-percentage-point increase in the ratio by 2027/28 through VAT reforms and other measures.

The government’s tax collection target for this year has risen to 1.5 trillion Br, including 170 billion Br from VAT.

Mohammed said recent price hikes stem solely from new tax levies. He told Fortune that his appeals to Ministry officials during discussions on the tax amendment bill were unsuccessful.

The Ministry introduced a directive last year to establish a tax management system to combat counterfeiting, track goods, verify stamps, and meet international standards.

Mulay Woldu, tax policy director at the MoF, stated that tax exemptions on imports were temporary measures during the pandemic when inflation hit 32pc. He argued there is no evidence local manufacturers can meet demand and that consumer-based policies are necessary. The Ministry has asked the Ministry of Industry (MoI) to study local manufacturers’ capacity.

“We cannot take policy measures without proper evidence,” Mulay said. He stressed the need to protect citizens from inflation caused by supply shortages or surges in demand.

A report by the Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration (MoTRI) shows annual demand for edible oil is around 1.1 billion litres, with local production covering less than five percent and imports accounting for 95pc.

Tilahun Abay, head of strategic affairs at the MoI, says that cooking oil is a critical food staple for low-income households and suggested it should be tax-exempt. “Assessments are being made on our side,” he said.

A US-based think tank, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Centre says that VAT disproportionately impacts lower-income households. Ethiopian Customs Commission data shows 2.2 billion litres of edible oil were imported over the past three years, mainly from Djibouti, Malaysia, and Turkey, with 741 million litres imported last year.

Kassaye Ayele, customs tariff director at the Commission, says that essential goods like edible oil received VAT exemptions three years ago to counter inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tax expert Tadesse Lencho (PhD) warns that tax revenues often place a heavy burden on consumers, particularly fixed-income earners who struggle with inflation. He argues that imposing tariffs on imported edible oils is a flawed protective policy. It will not solve competitiveness issues and will increase agricultural produce prices, ultimately hurting exporters and consumers.

Tadesse stresses the importance of balancing tax policies. “Policies should prioritise consumers over manufacturers or importers,” he said, calling for thorough analyses of tax impacts to avoid ripple effects.

Finance Shortfalls Entangle Pharma Supplies, Distributions

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Pharmaceutical manufacturers have underperformed, failing to deliver 4.1 billion Br worth of medicines to the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) over the past two years, according to a recent assessment. The Service’s performance rate for 2023/24 stands at just 51pc, leaving essential medicines like amoxicillin and paracetamol in short supply.

At a recent meeting to address the crisis, Solomon Nigussie, EPSS deputy head, criticised manufacturers for delivering less than half of the 100 types required. He said that the sector is characterised by issues such as missed delivery schedules, low production capacity, and poor performance, especially regarding the 80pc of medicines categorised as essential.

The EPSS issued a nine-billion-Birr tender four months ago for 14 local manufacturers to supply 100 types of medicines. Abdulkadir Gelgelo (PhD), EPSS director general, warned that missed delivery schedules would result in penalties. “Penalties will follow if delivery schedules are missed,” he said. He urged manufacturers to improve production capacity and delivery timelines.

Despite receiving up to 25pc price preference over international suppliers, local manufacturers have delivered only 47pc of contracted amounts. They face problems such as low production capacity, supply chain disruptions, and limited investment in research and development.

Manufacturers at the meeting cited financial constraints, high operational costs, and delayed payments from the EPSS as barriers to production. They also blamed fluctuating input prices, which further complicate efforts to meet demand and improve productivity.

Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing SC, East Africa Pharmaceuticals Plc, Addis Pharmaceuticals Factory SC, and Cadila Pharmaceuticals have secured contracts through direct tendering to supply 10 types of medicines. The procurement process for restrictive tenders is set to conclude within weeks due to unresolved complaints from manufacturers.

Daniel Waktole (PhD), president of the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Suppliers & Manufacturers Sectoral Association (EPSMSA), says payment delays are affecting manufacturers’ working capital and their ability to deliver products on time. The lack of flexible financing has hindered the industry, according to him. The Association has submitted a letter to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) addressing price variation concerns.

In response, Abdulkadir acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting prices due to fluctuating raw material costs. However, he said that EPSS is negotiating with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) to provide credit to manufacturers. “Though preconditions must first be met,” he said.

Last year, Kilitch Estro Biotech Plc, an Ethiopian-Indian joint venture, secured a direct contract worth 522 million Br to supply medications to EPSS. Daniel Waktole (MD), also general manager of the company, noted that local pharmaceutical manufacturers have capacity but are hampered by persistent problems.

Tadesse Teferi (MD), CEO and shareholder of Africure Pharmaceuticals Plc and board chairman of the Association, said, “The industry is at a critical point, facing the possibility of collapse or revival.” He stated that issues like low productivity, outdated technology, and regulatory hurdles continue to disrupt the sector.

He also blamed tendering delays, payment bottlenecks, factory closures, and customs complications related to under- and over-invoicing.

Four months ago, the EPSS issued a tender to procure over nine billion Birr worth of products from local manufacturers through direct and restrictive tendering. The tender required local manufacturers to quote prices in Birr, while foreign suppliers could continue quoting in hard currencies. Although a new directive allowing local manufacturers to quote in foreign currency is pending, many have cited the difficulties in sourcing large amounts of foreign currency.

Established in 1947, the EPSS supplies drugs and medical equipment to 5,000 health institutions nationwide through 19 outlets. In the last fiscal year, it distributed medical supplies worth 51 billion Br, sourced from donations and procurement.

Program medicines, funded by the Ministry of Health (MoH), account for 70pc of the Service’s distribution, with a budget of 21 billion Br for 2023/24 fiscal year. These include 100 types of essential medications. The remaining 30pc, budgeted at eight billion Birr, cover revolving fund medicines for chronic disease treatments and routine medical supplies.

Ras Desta Memorial Hospital, serving half a million patients annually, is grappling with severe medicine shortages and rising drug prices. Teshome Hunde (MD), the hospital’s director, described the situation as strained and complex. He says that the hospital faces critical shortages of essential medications, particularly for treating non-communicable diseases, which are increasingly common among patients. Despite an annual procurement budget of 100 million Br, more than 50pc of the required medications remain unavailable, affecting patient care.

“Shortage of supplies is the main issue,” Teshome said.

Getasew Amare, a health economist, noted a large gap between demand and supply, hindering progress toward universal health coverage. “Resource and financing gaps remain a major problem,” he said.

Getasew also pointed to poor communication between the EPSS and health institutions, leading to procurement decisions made without proper market assessments. “End-user preference has played a minor role,” he stated.

He recommends the inclusion of professionals and policymakers with a thorough understanding of the health market to accurately assess demand and address supply issues. “Health sector governance remains a big problem,” he said.

Getasew worries about declining international funds, which previously covered 30pc of medical supply needs. This shortfall forces the government to shoulder the burden, creating financial strain. He urged strategic government investment, calling for increased health sector budget allocations and improved data management to aid decision-making.

 

New Law Regulates Organ Donation, Restricts Gifting

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A recently passed Health Service Administration & Regulation Proclamation legalises the donation and transplantation of organs and tissues, consolidating health service regulations under a single legal framework. It allows individuals to consent to donate their cells, tissues, or organs after death, either while alive or through a written will. Donors can revoke consent at any time before transplantation.

The law now mandates that organ donations be directed to the Ethiopian Blood & Tissue Bank Service.

Transplantations are permitted only when a medical board confirms no viable alternative to save or stabilise the recipient’s life.

The law prohibits the sale or gifting of cells, tissues, or organs. Harvesting is only allowed after professionals confirm the donor is biologically dead. If the deceased’s consent is unknown, a close relative may provide permission. In the absence of a relative, only the cornea can be harvested.

Living donations to next of kin are allowed with institutional consent. Donors must be legally capable, provide written consent, and pass a health assessment to ensure no risk to their life. Expenses related to donation and transplantation are excluded from being classified as payments or gifts. The use of organs or tissues obtained outside the legal donation system is strictly forbidden.

Ashenafi Tazebew (MD), director general of the Ethiopia Blood & Tissue Bank Service, says that, until now, no institution was formally responsible for overseeing organ donations. Transplants were mainly carried out in hospitals like St. Paul’s. He noted that the new law will help expand donations and collections. Ashenafi also hinted at the possibility of renaming the Bank and revising its bylaws in the future.

“We expect fewer people to travel abroad for transplants now,” said Ashenafi. He noted that Tiqur Anbessa Hospital has been sending 10 bone marrow transplant patients overseas monthly, costing 700,000 dollars. With the new proclamation, the hospital plans to start domestic bone marrow transplants.

“We can work towards heart transplants step by step,” he told Fortune. “But it requires a large financial investment and a strong human resource.”

The new legislation also includes rights and protections for health sector employees. It grants them priority access to healthcare services for work-related health issues. The government will fully cover health insurance contributions for public sector health workers.

However, Fikadu Mazengiya, executive director of the Ethiopian Midwives Association, voiced worries about the scope of the insurance, saying it may not cover cancer, transplants, or other treatments requiring foreign care. He pointed to the risks healthcare workers face, including disc injuries, radiation-related cancer, and infectious diseases, which also pose threats to their families.

Fikadu said that the lack of essential medical equipment and medicines increases indirect costs for healthcare workers. He stated that of the 347,000 healthcare workers in Ethiopia, about 3pc contract diseases from needle-related incidents.

“Healthcare workers are facing inhumane conditions,” he said.

A 2023 study revealed that 30.6pc of Ethiopian healthcare workers experienced needlestick and sharp injuries. Those in delivery and emergency units face sixfold and fivefold higher risks, respectively. Older workers are three times more likely to sustain injuries, while those logging fewer than 40 hours a week reported reduced risks.

The proclamation introduces new regulations on the use of cadavers for health services, research, and education. Cadavers can only be used if the deceased consented to donate their body while alive. If close relatives do not claim the body within seven days, it can be used for education or research after notifying the relevant government body.

Surgical expert Mesfin Alemayehu opposes using unclaimed bodies for research, arguing it conflicts with the country’s cultural practices.

The proclamation also regulates the use of animal parts or products in transplants, subject to Ministry of Health (MoH) approval. While animal or biotechnology-derived products are allowed, the law strictly prohibits cloning, copying, regenerating, or modifying human cells, genes, or body parts using technology. Mesfin criticised the use of animal body parts in transplants, citing cultural concerns and potential long-term health risks, including cancer.

The proclamation shifts the Ethiopian Food & Drug Authority’s regulatory oversight of health institutions and professionals to the MoH.

It also permits terminating life support in specific cases, such as brain death or irreversible medical conditions. Ventilator-assisted breathing can be discontinued only after confirming irreversible failure of cardiovascular or respiratory systems, or brain death.

The proclamation includes provisions for assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART services are restricted to legally married couples medically confirmed to be unable to conceive naturally. Couples who have a child through ART will be recognised as the child’s legal parents.

Endalkachew Tsedal, lead executive of health professionals’ regulation at the Ministry, said the next step is to issue directives for implementing the proclamation.

Tsegaye Berhanu (MD), director of the transplant department at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), revealed that the hospital has performed nearly 170 transplant cases with a 98pc success rate. Due to capacity constraints, up to four kidney transplants and three liver transplants are referred overseas each month.

Tsegaye views the proclamation as a chance to expand transplant services and allow donations from non-relatives. He says it will protect donors from familial pressure. He stated the hospital plans to expand transplant capacity, supported by its four transplant surgeons, six kidney doctors, and two transplant surgery trainees.

He said that donation logistics which need swift transportation, possibly using helicopters could be difficult. “A national transplant database is critical,” he stated. The global average wait time for a kidney transplant is eight-and-a-half years, according to him.

Surgical medicine expert Mesfin criticised the provision that prevents donors from choosing recipients. “It should not be restricted,” he said. “It may encourage public donations.”

Tegbar Yigzaw (MD), president of the Ethiopian Medical Association, stated that the proclamation will remain ineffective unless the 2010 social medical insurance law is implemented.

Birhanu Ayika, head of the Ethiopian Health Insurance Agency’s Addis Abeba Office, said the agency is awaiting approval from the Ministry to start Social Health Insurance (SHI). He mentioned that while the insurance has been delayed, plans are underway to launch it within six months.

Insurance consultant Assegid Gebremedhin argues that SHI must cover overseas expenses and family members to provide adequate coverage. He said that improving workplace safety for healthcare workers would enhance service quality. “If healthcare workers feel safer, service quality will improve,” he said. “The movement for SHI began 20 years ago but was halted eight years ago.”

He urged the MoH to prioritise insuring healthcare practitioners. “Though costly for the government, the benefits are immeasurable,” he said.

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An average of hours in a year rural households in Ethiopia spend collecting firewood, a mark of social inequities in energy access. This equals approximately 5.5 months of full-time work a year, disproportionately affecting women and children. These households depend on biomass, accounting for 72pc of energy consumption.

 

TRUNK T-SHIRTS

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A seller and buyer discuss the price of a t-shirt from the open trunk of a parked yellow Toyota Vitz around the Bole neighbourhood. The car is filled with various garments and is part of hustles seen in Addis Abeba where vendors sell anything from eggs to solar powered flashlights from their vehicles. These mobile shops have the chance of changing locations to reach a wider customer base and avoid the costs associated with renting a physical store. It is common in many parts of the world, especially in urban areas where foot traffic is high.

LEGACY RENAISSANCE

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The Tayitu Centre for Culture & Education sits in rubble as its benefactor Alemtsehay Wedajo seeks the completion of the restoration of a 120-year-old historical house in front of St George Cathedral, on Menelik II roundabout. Located in the former Arada division court compound, the house was originally the residence of former mayor Bitwoded Hailegiorgis Weldemichael and served as the city’s first municipality. Now 95pc complete, remaining works include lighting installation and other finishing touches.

 

TIMQET TRUMPET

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Timqet, or Epiphany, features various musical instruments that enhance the celebration. The trumpet (or turumba) signals the presence of the Ark, prompting reverence from believers. Other instruments like the begenna, tsenatsen, and bells create a joyful atmosphere, accompanying the Ark throughout the holiday. These sounds foster community and enrich the spiritual experience.