Establishment of the “African Global Health Institute” (AGHI) in Tigray, Ethiopia: the NIHMP is one of the founders
During his last mission in Mekelle, Tigray from 1 to 7 July 2010, the NIHMP Director General, Prof. Aldo Morrone, subscribed an agreement with the Tigray Health Bureau (THB) and the Mekelle University College of Medicine & Health Sciences (MU-CHS). The agreement defines the guidelines for the establishment of the “African Global Health Institute” (AGHI) in Tigray, which represents the first Institute of global health in Africa desired and managed by local institutions. The agreement entrusts the NIHMP with the scientific direction of all activities. AGHI will particularly be committed with training and scientific research, through the realisation of publications and meetings at the regional, national and international levels on the clinical activity carried out in the four referral hospitals and health care centres:
1) The “Italian Dermatological Center” (IDC), at the Ayder Hospital of Mekelle, clinically and scientifically supported by the NIHMP;
2) The “Adi Shum Duhun Infectious Diseases Center”, in Mekelle, which will be soon opened with the clinical and scientific support of the NIHMP;
3) The “Maternal & Neonatal Department” in Adigrat, established thanks to the contribution of an Italian donor, Mario Maiani, and which relies on the clinical and scientific cooperation of the NIHMP;
4) The “District Hospital” in Sheraro, Tigray, the only hospital in the area, which will be soon established thanks to a grant of Mario Maiani and the clinical and scientific collaboration of IISMAS association and NIHMP.
AGHI also promotes the use of modern technologies aimed at improving the access and the utilisation of health care services by the local population. An example of this is satellite telemedicine, which is already used on the territory thanks to the collaboration of the NIHMP and the Alliance of Italian Hospitals Worldwide.
During his mission, Prof. Aldo Morrone also participated in the ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the Mekelle University and opened the event together with Prof. Mitiku Haile, President of the University, in virtue of the commitment of the NIHMP in the area through training, research and follow up of people with severe skin diseases.
Prof. Morrone also had the opportunity to carry out some medical examinations at the IDC and to meet the local medical staff, committed with and devoted to the treatment of children, women and men. He also visited the Paediatric and Maternity Ward of the Hospital of Adigrat. The centre is efficiently working and, since its opening on March 2010, 350 women and children have been assisted and treated.
