HFE Board & General Manager

Dr Catherine Hamlin was an Australian obstetrician-gynaecologist who went to Ethiopia over 65 years ago to train midwives with her husband Dr Reg Hamlin. Their attention soon turned to the plight of the obstetric fistula patients. Together, the Hamlins perfected the modern technique for obstetric fistula surgery and set up a network of hospitals in Ethiopia to help these women. So far, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has helped more than 70,000 women. Dr Catherine Hamlin passed away in March 2020, at age 96. She was a Companion of the Order of Australia and was twice-nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr Mengistu has a medical degree from Gondar College of Medical Sciences and a master’s in public health from Addis Ababa University. He is a Public Health specialist with more than 35 years of experience in reproductive health, primary health care, child survival, community health services, programme management, research and clinical service delivery. He served as the president of the Ethiopian public health Association (EPHA) from 2006-2009 and as a vice president and president for the World Federation of Public Health Association (WFPHA) from 2012-2016. Mengistu currently serves as the senior country director of Pathfinder International in Ethiopia. Pathfinder is one of the largest maternal health NGOs in the world and their programme in Ethiopia is extensive. Mengistu was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2015.

Dr Yigeremu has a medical degree and a postgraduate diploma in internal medicine from the Addis Ababa University. He worked as a general practitioner whilst completing his postgraduate diploma. In 2006 Dr Yirgeremu was appointed the Country Director in Ethiopia for the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) leading a large programme to combat HIV/AIDS and other preventable and treatable diseases in Ethiopia. He recently retired from that position. Yigeremu was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2015.

Dr Kebede Worku has a medical degree from Addis Ababa University and a strong background in Public Health programmatic and operational leadership. He is Senior Advisor to the Ethiopian Minister of Health. He was previously the State Minister for Health for Ethiopia and has previously served as a member of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria; Chairperson of the African Constituency Bureau of the Global Fund, Chairperson of Tikur Anbessa Hospital (Black Lion Hospital), Chairperson of Ethiopia’s national Nutrition Coordination Body and he oversaw development and execution of Ethiopia’s national HIV prevention and control programme. Kebede was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Dr Mahlet Yigeremu Gebremariam is Consultant Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University. She was previously Dean of School of Medicine Addis Ababa University and CEO of Tikur Anbessa Hospital (Black Lion Hospital). She is a dedicated advocate and researcher for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Mahlet was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Ato Jemal Kassaw is Ethiopia Country Representative, EngenderHealth and has worked with the organisation for 16 years. He was previously HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator and Health and Nutrition Advisory to Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief and he has served as Chair of the Board for the Consortium of Reproductive Health Associations (CORHA) and on the boards and advisory councils of a number of public health associations and advocates for gender equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Jemal was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Ms Tadelech Shiferaw is the Director of International Banking at Enat Bank S.C. in Ethiopia. Enat Bank S.C. was established by 11 visionary women to empower women financially. Previously, Tadelech’s previous roles were in banking and risk management in Ethiopia. Tadelech holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Business Administration from Rift Valley University.  Tadelech was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Dr Solomon Abebe Addis is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in international development and public health. His career spans roles within the United Nations, as well as international and local NGOs, where he has driven impactful programmes in community development and health. Solomon was honoured as one of the 10 World Maternal Health Young Champions of 2013 by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Institute of International Education. His academic background includes a BA in Sociology, followed by Master’s degrees in both Management and International Relations. With a BA in Sociology, MA degrees in Management and International Relations, and PhD in Development Studies, he is also a published author, with two novels released in both Amharic and English.

Dr Sirak oversees clinical operations at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and five regional fistula hospitals across Ethiopia. For the past over 15 years, Dr Biniyam Sirak has worked as a doctor, specialising in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urogynaecology. His expertise has led him to teach Gynaecology at a tertiary level and is now a Urogynecology fellow. A talented medical professional, Biniyam was drawn to working with Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia due to its best-practice maternal care.

Dr. Anteneh is the Dean of Hamlin College of Midwives, where he also serves as an Assistant Professor. He holds a BSc degree in Public Health, M.Phil. in Public Health (Reproductive Health), Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching from Haramaya University, and PhD from Addis Ababa University. His background includes over fifteen years of progressive responsibility in higher education sector including working as lecturer, assistant professor, department head, and programme director level.

Mistir is a development practitioner and gender equality advocate with more than 15 years’ experience advancing women’s empowerment and youth leadership. She has held senior roles across NGOs, networks and government academic institutions. With responsibility for numerous large-scale projects, Mistir has provided technical guidance, budget monitoring, project oversight and accountability. She has also managed sub-grantees and supported women’s and youth-focused organisations through capacity building and collaboration with government, donors and civil society. Mistir brings strong expertise in gender-responsive programming, strategic planning, proposal development, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Duguma has more than two decades of leadership experience in non-government organisations across East Africa, with expertise in finance, budgeting, grants management, operations and organisational systems. His experience spans international development and emergency aid organisations, including responsibility for logistics, procurement, human resources and accounting. He has in-depth knowledge of managing international donor funds, including funding from bilateral institutions, and brings strong expertise in compliance, internal policies and procedures, taxation and auditing processes. Duguma holds a BA from Addis Ababa University and is a Fellow Certified Chartered Accountant with ACCA, equivalent to UK master’s degree standard.