EYU-ETHIOPIA

Serving for Sight!

About Us

Our Organization

Eyu-Ethiopia is a board-led, non-profit, non-governmental organization established to reduce the burden of avoidable blindness and ocular disability in Ethiopia through research, training and integrated community-based service delivery.


Accountability

Eyu-Ethiopia is registered as a local charity organisation by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Agency for Civil Society Organisations in accordance with the Civil Society Organisations Proclamation No. 1113/2019 on June 11, 2019 with the registration number 4209. ...

Registration Certificate

We maintain transparency and accountability in the strong relationships with the people and organizations with whom we work.
We adhere to the Law of the country set to govern charitable organisations, international finance and operations regulations, and commonly accepted ethical standards.
We are registered with the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia. Our financial operations and statements are guided by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Achieving financial sustainability

To build an evidence-led and integrated eye care system, Eyu-Ethiopia employs an innovative model to ensure financial sustainability.
To achieve our mission, we receive charitable contributions from various local and international donors.
For more information on donating and fundraising, visit our Donations page.
In the long run, we are working strategically to develop a foundation that will generate funds for our charitable research and health care services.
This foundation, operating jointly with Eyu-Ethiopia, will raise funds by offering services such as tourism, consultancy, clinical services (subsidized tiered payments for eyecare services) and eyeglass shops.

 Read Our:

Human Resource Policy and Procedures Manual
Finance and Operations Policy Manual
Strategic Plan 2024- 2028
Annual Activity Report 2022
Annual Activity Report 2023
Annual Audit Report 2020

Annual Audit Report 2021

Annual Audit Report 2022

Annual Audit Report 2023

Our Vision

A country free from avoidable eye health problems.


Our Mission

Generate evidence, and implement innovative, community-oriented, and integrated eye health programmes to reduce avoidable eye health problems in Ethiopia.

Our Values

Community First Eyu-Ethiopia is established with the primary aim of serving communities in need.... We put the people’s eye health first and strive and act timely to address their needs. We are here to serve. I CARE is our motto.

Excellence We never stop learning and improving.... Quality is at the heart of Eyu-Ethiopia. We strive to deliver the highest quality service to our community guided with the best available evidence and technical expertise. We strive to continuously develop ourselves and innovate to respond to the public’s demand and a changing world.
Commitment We are committed in heart and mind to serve communities in need and realise Eyu-Ethiopia’s vision.
Integrity & Respect We are honest, open, ethical, and fair. ... We are honest, open, ethical, and fair. People trust us to adhere to our word and keep our promises. We strive to show a deep respect for people inside and outside our organisation and for the communities of which they are part. We strive to make people feel safe, respected, empowered, fairly treated and duly recognized. Building a strong, trusting relationship with the community, stakeholders, and our employees, is our purpose. We believe our employees are the backbone of our organisation. Respecting our employees means respecting their individual human rights and privacy, ensuring a safe and healthy workplace environment, and providing them a dynamic platform, where they can explore their creativity and skills and further enhance themselves.
Accountability We are liable and responsible for decisions made and actions taken.
Diversity & Neutrality We believe it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds to succeed.
Collaboration

We believe in collective efforts to achieve our goals. ... We work in conjunction with Community, Federal and State Governments of Ethiopia; and partner with the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureaus, various governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and other individuals and groups working on the same area within and outside Ethiopia. Eyu-Ethiopia avoids duplicating the efforts of other organisations or individuals.

OUR TEAM



Board Members

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Dr. Esmael Habtamu, BSc, MSc, PhD

Co-Founder and Board Secretary

Dr Esmael Habtamu Ali is a Public Eye Health Academic and Clinical Trialist with more than 15 years’ experience. He is Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK, and Bahirdar University (Adjunct).

He graduated from Ophthalmic Officer Course from University of Gondar (2007), obtained MSc in Public Health for Eye Care (2011), and PhD (2017) from LSHTM. He has led several large-scale research projects, awarded ten research grants (~$3 million), and published over 34 research articles. He is African Academy of Science Affiliate, and Mandela-Washington Young African Leaders Initiative Fellow, and member of the Ethiopia NTD Research Advisory Committee, Ethiopia Trachoma Advisory Group, and International Trachoma Initiative Trachoma Expert Committee (TEC).

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Mr. Dessalew Emaway, BSc, MPH

Chair

Dessalew Emaway is a public health practitioner with about 20 years of progressive work experience in program management and technical leadership in the areas of community and primary health care systems, RMNCH programs, community engagement, and digital health.

Currently, the Projects Director for two projects in L10K: improving PHC service delivery project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and the electronic community health information system (eCHIS) for HEP performance improvement project funded by the Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). Before taking this position, he worked as Project Director at Marie Stopes International Ethiopia for a Family Planning-by-Choice project funded by DFID. Dessalew has a BSc and Masters’s degrees in public health from Alemaya and Addis Ababa Universities, respectively.

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Ms.Heran Abebe, BA, MA, MPH

Vice Chair

Heran holds a BA degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology and dual Masters in Gender Studies and General Public Health.

She has over fifteen years of progressive work experience from grass root implementation to senior level of managing social development projects focusing on gender and social inclusion. She is qualified trainer in advocacy skills in reproductive health, engaging men in social norm change, comprehensive response to gender-based violence and gender and social inclusion mainstreaming in policies and programs.

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Mr. Birhanu Assefa, BSc, MPH, MA

Board Meamber

Berhanu Assefa, the former Vice Chair of Eyu Ethiopia, is an epidemiologist and monitoring and evaluation expert with a BSc in Public Health, MPH in Epidemiology and MA in Measurement and Evaluation.

He received Executive Education certificate on Public Private Partnership from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and completed the International Training on Program Evaluation from the World Bank. Berhanu is currently the Partnerships and Program Development (P&PD) Manager at UNOPS Bangladesh. He has also served as P&PD Team Leader at the United Nations Office for Project Services for Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti. Berhanu is the founding member of the Public Health Officer (PHOA) Association and Ethiopian Evaluation Associations (EEvA). He is the executive Board member for PHOA and served the EEvA as President for two years. He is an active and regular member of the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia.

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Ms. Rgbie Gebrehawrya, LL. B, MA

Board Meamber

Rigbe is a diversity and inclusion advocate with over 14 year’s experience working on disability rights and gender justice through research, advocacy, project management, training and human resource management.

She is a Mandela Washington Fellow and has served in the East Africa Regional Advisory Board for the Mandela Washington Fellowship. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Laws. Besides having a physical disability herself, Rigbe developed interest towards disability rights advocacy after working for a Non-Governmental Organization on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. She is currently working as the Commissioner for Disability Rights and Rights of Older Persons at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. Prior to that, she worked at the U.S. Embassy Addis Abeba as a Senior HR Assistant and Disabilities Advisor. Rigbe has volunteered as a legal aid counselor at the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA). She is currently an expert member of the Working Group on the Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Africa. She is a board member of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network), co-founder and board member of the Ethiopian Lawyers with Disabilities Association, board chair of Setawit, board advisor of EWLA and board member of Eyu-Ethiopia. She has served as a board chair of EWLA, a member of the National Experts Board/Advisory Group of the Resource and Support Hub Programme and a member of the UN Women Civil Society Organizations Advisory Group.

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Ms. Hilina Estifanos, LL.B, LL.M

Board Meamber

Helina Stiphanos Teka, a law graduate working as a legal researcher in Germany. Her previous roles include involvement with prominent international organisations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

She is interested in minority rights, with a special focus on women's rights and the transformative power of advocacy in attaining equality. Helina aspires to foster improved accessibility to eye health services and knowledge through her involvement with Eyu Ethiopia. She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Essex and a Bachelor of Laws from Addis Ababa University.

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Sr. Liyu Wegayehu, BSc, MSc

Board Meamber

Sr. Liyu Wogayehu Melku is a Developmental Psychologist with BA and MA degrees from Addis Ababa University, and with more than 17 years hands-on practical experience on health and leadership in the area of HIV /AIDS especially community HIV testing approaches in Ethiopia.

She served in various governmental and non-governmental organisations in different capacities including as a clinical matron, project coordinator and officer and as a nurse trainer & supervisor. Presently, she is working for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Project HOPE (Health Opportunity for People Everywhere) as a specialist for the Community HIV Care and Treatment project. Sr Liyu is supporting the Federal HIV prevention and control office (HAPCO) at large and Ministry of Health of Ethiopia and two Regional State and Addis Ababa city (Gambella, SNNP and Addis Ababa Regions).

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Dr. Mesele Damtie, BSc, MPH, PhD

Board Meamber

Dr Mesele Damte Argaw is a public health expert with more than 25 years of practical experiences. He received PhD in Health Studies from the University of South Africa.

He has led several health systems strengthening programs including Trachoma, Malaria, Maternal and Reproductive Health, Nutrition, Child, Youth and Adolescent Health and Development. He collaborates actively with the Federal Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, Regional State Health Bureaus, and development partners and contributed to the development of national strategic plans, guidelines, and training manuals. He has authored and co-authored more than 31 peer reviewed journal articles.

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Dr. Alemayehu Teklu, MD

Board Meamber

Dr. Alemayehu Teklu is a senior Associate Professor in Pediatrics and Child Health with more than 12 years’ experience in academics, clinical care and research at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

He studied Human Medicine at the Gondar College of Medicine and Health Science, specialized in Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Gondar, and received a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Dr Alemayehu is a founding member of eHealth lab Ethiopia, a Center of Excellence in Health Informatics and implementation research established in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the University of Gondar aimed to develop, adopt, evaluate, and support the implementation of innovative health information technologies. His group has won projects from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Organization, the Global Vaccine Alliance, and the African Forum for Research and Education. He has worked in 9 international research grants and published over 30 quantitative and qualitative research articles.

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Mr. Gubgnt Tekle, BA, MBA

Board Meamber

Gubignet Tekle is Accounting, Finance and Administration Manager at the World Resources Institute (WRI), Global Office, a global environmental research organization based in Washington DC.

He has BA in accounting and finance and master’s in business administration (MBA). He has over 15 years of experience in accounting, finance, logistics and human resources working for non-profit international organizations including Carter Center, JSI, ICCO COOPERATION, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and now at World Resources Institute. Gubignet is trained and certified on USAID Rules and Regulations on Grants and Cooperative Agreements and Financial Management for US Government Funding and has advanced accounting and finance software.



Our Staff Meambers

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Dr. Esmael Habtamu, BSc, MSc, PhD

Chief Executive Director

Dr Esmael Habtamu Ali is a Public Eye Health Academic and Clinical Trialist with more than 15 years’ experience. He is Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK, and Bahirdar University (Adjunct).

He graduated from Ophthalmic Officer Course from University of Gondar (2007), obtained MSc in Public Health for Eye Care (2011), and PhD (2017) from LSHTM. He has led several large-scale research projects, awarded ten research grants (~$3 million), and published over 34 research articles. He is African Academy of Science Affiliate, and Mandela-Washington Young African Leaders Initiative Fellow, and member of the Ethiopia NTD Research Advisory Committee, Ethiopia Trachoma Advisory Group, and International Trachoma Initiative Trachoma Expert Committee (TEC).

Awraris

Dr. Awraris Hailu, BSc, MPH, PhD

Resesarch Manager

Dr Awraris Hailu is a public health specialist, academician, and research manager with more than 15 years’ experience. He is an associate professor at Debre Berhan University (DBU).

He completed his BSc (2005) from Debub University and MSc in Public Health (2011) from Addis Ababa University. He also obtained an advanced diploma in Pedagogical Science (2013) from DBU, and PhD (2019) from the University of South Africa. He worked as a project coordinator for different NGO’s, as a Dean and Director at University and has published more than 22 research articles. He is a member of the National Public Health Emergency and Preparedness, Regional Scientific Advisory Committee, and Institutional Review Board Chair at DBU.

Alemu

Ms. Eneye Ayalew, BA

Finance Officer

Ms Eneye is a financial expert with a BA degree in Accounting and Finance from Mekele University in 2006.

She has more than 13 years’ experience in finance administration having worked with various non-governmental organizations such as Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA) in a Project Accountant Position during which she established one of the Project Offices in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region and led all financial, logistics and administrative activities of the project for about four years. She has also worked with Population Counsel, Oxfam Great Britain, and MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) in Accountant and Finance Assistant Positions.

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Mr. Kefale Tewodie, BA

Project Coordinator

Mr Kefale Tewodie is an Environmental Science and Management professional. He obtained Bachelor of Art in Environmental Science (2011) from Haramaya University, and Business Management (2022) from Hage College.

He has worked in different governmental organizations such at Merhabete, and Mojana Wodera Districts Agricultural Office for about two years as Natural Resource Development Officer, and at Carter Center Ethiopia as Research Data Collector and Research Project Coordinator respectively. He is currently studying Masters in Project Management at YOM Institute of Economic Development Postgraduate College.

Tariku

Mr. Tariku Wondie, BA

Programm Officer

Mr Tariku Wondie is the co-founder of Eyu-Ethiopia. He obtained Bachelor of Art in Management in 2008 from Bahirdar University. He has taken research methods training at the University of London, UK.

He has more than 12 years’ experience on eye health research project and logistics management. He has served in a Field Coordinator Position, and later as the Research Coordinator for two collaborative trachoma research projects between The Carter Center Ethiopia, Amhara Region Health Bureau, and the London school of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He has published 11 research articles in various international peer reviewed journals.

Enye

Sr. Bezawit Atnafu, BSc

Project Coordinator

Sr Bezawit Atenafu is an Ophthalmic Nurse and a qualified BSc Nurse graduated from Debretabour Health Science College and Kea-med University College in 2008 and 2012 respectively.

She has served as an Expert Nurse in the last 10 years in government and private hospitals including Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital in Bahirdar and Yerer Private General Hospital in Addis Ababa. In 2018 she served as the Research Officer for a large collaborative research project between the Carter Center, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, during which she led the research team, coordinated field work, and performed detailed ocular examination for thousands of study participants.

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Ms. Tigist Alemayehu, Diploma level IV

Office Assistant

Ms Tigist Alemayehu is a clinical nurse and accounting professional having obtained diploma in Clinical Nursing from Kea-med University College in 2012 and Accounting and Finance from Alfa University College Correspondent (2021).

She has about 6 years’ experience having worked as a clinical nurse in a government primary health care unit for about one year and in a cashier and office assistant positions in Propried, a project funded by USAID , for five years.

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Ms. Belaynesh Mussie, BSc

IT Technician

Ms Belaynesh is a software engineer graduated from Institute of Technology at Bahirdar University in 2021. She is an Assistant Lecturer in Software Engineering at Bahirdar University, while serving in her part time as the IT technician and Website Developer for Eyu-Ethiopia.

She earned a letter of commendation from Ethiopian Airlines for outstanding performance while she was working as an intern for about four months. Belyanesh is an accomplished computer programmer.

Melese

Mr. Melese Kitu, BSc, MPH

Project Coordinator

Mr Melese Kitu is a public health professional. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Mekelle University (2012) and graduated in Master of Public Health in Epidemiology with “Great Distinction” from Bahir Dar University (2019).

He has more than 8 years’ experience working in government health facilities as a health officer, supervisor, and head of a Primary Health Care Unit. He was trained and served as an Integrated Eye Care Worker (IECW) in Amhara Region for 5 years during which he received appreciation letter (2016) from the Carter Center and Amhara Region Health Bureau for his outstanding contribution in clearing the backlog of Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT).

Yosef

Mr. Yosef Adane , BSc, MPH

Project Coordinator

Mr Yosef Adane is a public health professional. He obtained a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Public Health from Central University (2010-2014) and GAMBY Business and Medical colleges (2019-2022) respectively.

He has extensive experience in research and program coordination having worked for more than 15 years at different Non-governmental (the Carter Center Ethiopia, Health Development and Anti-Malaria Association(HDAMA)) and governmental(Delanta and Bahirdar Zuria Districts) organizations in Kebele Manager, Developmental Agent, Data Collector, Research Coordinator and Project Coordinator poisions. Yosef is one of the co-founders of both TANA and Bahirdar charity organizations.

Yosef

Dr. Nardos Tekalgn, MD

Research Coordinator

Dr Nardos Tekalign is a General Practitioner graduated with a medical degree in 2022 from College of Medicine and Health Science at the University of Gondar.

She has been awarded with letters of appreciation for participating in volunteer work in 2021 with the “Healthy Epiphany” Response Team from University of Gondar for giving emergency care, and certificate for completing training courses on diagnosis, treatment and adverse drug reaction management of both drug susceptible and resistant tuberculosis from University of Gondar in 2022 .

Tamrat

Mr. Tamrat Kassa

Driver Logistician

Mr Tamrat Kassa is a qualified Grade 3 driver with multiple years of driving and logistics experience, and excellent interpersonal communication skill.


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How to Help

Donate

The easiest way to support our cause is to Donate to Eyu-Ethiopia! We sincerely appreciate all contributions and are grateful to our donors. If you are interested in fundraising, please contact info@eyuethiopia.org and we will be in touch with a fundraising kit that includes publicity information and educational materials.


Volunteering

We are grateful for the time and effort of volunteers in Ethiopia and elsewhere. If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers, please fill out this form .

Contact Us