THET launches new NCD programme in Ethiopia at event marking 30 years’ work in the country

The Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) has this week marked the three-decade milestone of our work in Ethiopia at a special event attended by high-level representatives and key stakeholders in Addis Ababa. The event saw the launch of a new project to improve non-communicable disease (NCD) care for underserved communities in Ethiopia, funded by the Fraxinus Charitable Trust.

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the numerous successes achieved through our work in Ethiopia over the past 30 years, before discussing the objectives and ambitions of the new Fraxinus-funded NCD project. Discussions also focussed on our strategic vision for advancing NCDs and the integration of better treatment into primary healthcare services.

Victoria Ash, trustee of the Fraxinus Charitable Trust, commented: “We are delighted to continue supporting the incredibly important work that the THET undertakes in Ethiopia.  Having visited the country quite recently to meet the team and see some of the projects in action, I know how much impact this new project will have.”

Ethiopia is a country of particular importance to our late founder, Professor Sir Eldryd Parry, having spent three years teaching at Haile Selassie University early in his career which laid the foundation for a lifetime of work with the country. Following his death, THET continues to embody Sir Eldryd’s philosophy, which he once eloquently distilled as: “Where do you want to go, how can we help you get there, where are the gaps, how can we help you fill them?” Our approach has never been, and never will be “we will do this for you.”

Ben Simms, CEO of THET, said: “We care deeply about Ethiopia, and I’m very excited to see the fantastic work that will be achieved through this new NCD programme. Last year, we launched the inaugural Eldryd Parry Fellowship with a grant awarded to an Ethiopian health worker, Kokob Gebru Kidanu, focussed on improving health worker wellbeing in the Tigray region. I am proud to continue our strong track-record of work in Ethiopia, now with this vital project to improve NCD care in underserved communities.”

According to the NCD Alliance, NCDs remain the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with 1.7 billion people living with NCDs. Approximately 86% of premature deaths and 77% of all NCD-related deaths occur in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs).

Dr Yoseph Mamo, THET Country Director for Ethiopia, said: “We are delighted to launch our new NCD project, funded by the Fraxinus Charitable Trust. This is an important moment for THET in Ethiopia, as we have recently officially registered as an NGO in the country and this new programme marks the first step in the next chapter of our thirty-year history in Ethiopia.”