WASHINGTON, DC – The Ethiopian North American Health Professional Association (ENAHPA) celebrated its 5th Anniversary in its Annual Convention held in Washington from April 28- April 30, 2006. This convention was attended by members and supporters from across the United States, Canada and Ethiopia. Many ENAHPA partner organizations were represented.
Reflection from members, various project activities including field report by Dr. Yigeremu Abebe, the lead ENAHPA/CCFC physician were among the highlights.
At the Conference several members were recognized for their contributions. This also included recognition of Dr. Ingida Asfaw, the President of ENAHPA’s Volvo for life Award for 2006. ENAHPA gave special thanks to Congressman Mike Honda and Dr. John Bartlett of John Hopkins University for their commitment and continued support to ENAHPA. The organization also gave special thanks to the Ethiopian community in the Washington area, Maryland and Virginia for their pledged financial support.
At the end of the Conference, The Clinton Foundation announced a donation of USD 250,000 for expansion of ENAHPA/CCFC HIV/AIDS pediatric treatment project at ALERT Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Thus, starting the three-way collaboration among the three organizations for pediatric HIV/AIDS treatment. The three organizations’ representatives: Dr. Ingida Asfaw of ENAHPA, Mr. Todd Sinclair of CCFC and Mr. Ed wood of the Clinton Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 29, 2006
The joint venture between ENAHPA, the ministry of Health & CCFC has been working successfully for the past two years. The addition of the Clinton Foundation to this partnership will further enhance the project by adding the much needed pediatric arm of HIV care. This community based, family focused model of care will definitely grow with further support from existing partners as well as the strength of the dedicated local NGOs & its volunteers.
