Outreach Eye Camps in Ethiopia

HCP Recognizes the Contributions of Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialist and Head of Pediatrics at Menelik II Referral Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Dr. Sadik Taju.

HCP began working with Dr. Sadik Taju in 2012 when he assumed a joint position at Ayder Hospital and Quiha Zonal Hospital in Mekelle, Ethiopia. A year later, Dr. Sadik organized a month-long outreach program at Quiha Zonal Hospital, where he and his team performed over 2,000 surgeries in just four weeks. In January of 2015, Dr. Sadik started a full year-long surgical fellowship in pediatrics at the Sick Kids Children’s Hospital Toronto, Canada. After successful completion of the program, Dr. Sadik was recognized as the first pediatric ophthalmologist in Ethiopia with a full surgical fellowship. He is now head of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Menelik II Referral Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In September of 2016, Dr. Sadik began leading the HCP project: Improving Pediatric Eye Health in Ethiopia - supported by a grant through the USAID Child Blindness Program. The continued aim of this project is to build the capacity of Menelik II’s pediatric ophthalmology staff in order to ensure both the provision of high quality care as well as essential personnel capable of training the next generation of pediatric ophthalmologists in Ethiopia.

Dr. Sadik continues to lead HCP’s pediatric efforts in Ethiopia and champions its successes - seeing the emergence of a superior eye care system for children within the country.

"When I was in Toronto for my fellowship, my mentor told me something that I think of all the time. She said it wasn't that long ago that Canada also suffered from a lack of eye care systems. So I see that for Ethiopis and I can see a future in my lifetime where this is possible. It is why I came back to Ethiopia, because I knew my country and its children needed me. With HCP's support, we are one step closer." - Dr. Sadik Taju Sherief