The Association

Background

The Association of Ethiopian Health and Health-related Professionals in Sweden (AEHHPS), was founded in February 1992 in Stockholm with the premises to enable Ethiopians engaged in health-care activities to work together in an organization free from political, religious, ethnic or similar affiliations. The membership includes all Ethiopians engaged with health-and health-related professions and residing in Sweden.

The primary objectives of the association by the time it launched were:

to give health-related humanitarian aid to the needy people of Ethiopia,
to study health-related problems in order to seek constructive solutions,
to establish contacts and co-operation with similar organizations elsewhere,
to spread health related information among Ethiopians residing in Sweden and,
to serve as a forum for mutual assistance between members in their professional lives.

Organizational structure of the Association

Members of the association are governed by the constitution of the Association. The executive board that leads the association for a minimum of one year is elected every year by the general assembly.

Executive Board (2008/2009)

Dr Biniyam Wondimu President
Nunu Worku Secretary
Dr Solomon Tilahun Treasure
Berhanu Yemane Board member
Dr Daniel Tesfa Board member

Public Relations (Information) Committee

Dr Wubshet Mamo Chairperson
Dr Meseret Mengistu Member
Hirut Tekeste Member

Organizing (Fund Raising) Committee

Yodit Assefa Chairperson
Nunu Worku Member
Huda Mohammed Member
Hanna Teffera Member

Project Committee

Dr Wubshet Mamo Chairperson
Dr Biniyam Wondimu Member

The association started its operations in Ethiopia by collecting and sending medicines and other medical supplies to the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa. Unfortunately, this attempt was short lived because of some administrative difficulties. Thus, after evaluating the first attempt discontinued the supply of medical materials to health institutions in Ethiopia, and decided to assist projects within the health sector, preferably in the area of Primary Health Care instead.