Haramaya University Launches Over 75 Million Birr Expansion Project for Pediatric Neurosurgery Center of Excellence
Haramaya University’s Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital has officially launched a major renovation and expansion project to establish a dedicated Pediatric Neurosurgery Center of Excellence.
The project fully funded by Reach Another Foundation with an investment exceeding 75 million Ethiopian Birr, the initiative aims to significantly advance specialized surgical care for infants and children suffering from complex brain and spinal cord conditions across eastern Ethiopia.
The center is expected to be completed and open for service within the next five months; the facility will become the second comprehensive center of its kind in the nation.
Dr Ahmed Mohammed, Chief Executive Director of Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Sciences explained that the center will address critical pediatric conditions, particularly spina bifida and hydrocephalus, while directly fulfilling the university’s strategic goal to reduce patient referrals to central Ethiopia. By delivering high-level surgical treatment locally, the initiative will alleviate severe travel burdens and financial distress for families in the region.
Furthermore, hospital leadership notes that the expansion positions Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital to serve as a regional medical tourism destination for neighboring countries, while laying the necessary structural groundwork to launch specialized postgraduate medical education and expand clinical research capabilities. Dr Ahmed added.
Dr. Mohamednur Abdullahi, Chief Clinical Director of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized hospital, praised Reach Another Foundation as an invaluable partner in tackling neural tube defects and brain disorders. He added that the foundation providing equipment and staff training have now culminated in a transformative upgrade that will bring tremendous relief to thousands of young patients.
Dr. Yakob Seman, Country Program Coordinator for Reach Another Foundation in Ethiopia, stated that the foundation has supported the hospital’s neurological and spinal care over the past three years through capacity building and medical equipment supplies. He noted that the university’s commitment to expanding these services enabled the agreement to establish the country’s second comprehensive pediatric neurosurgery center of excellence.
The official launching ceremony was attended by senior leadership from Haramaya University Hospital, officials from the Harari Regional Health Bureau, executives from Reach Another Foundation, as well as religious leaders, Abbaa Gadaas, and Haadha Siinqees.
Reporter:- Tadele Tilahun
Photographer:- Behailu Girma
Haramaya University Public & International Relations
Tags: 75 Million Birr, Ethiopian Higher Education, Expansion Project, Haramaya University, Healthcare Infrastructure, Medical Development, Medical Science, Neurosurgery Center of Excellence, Pediatric Neurosurgery Center, Public Health Ethiopia
