Our Board & CEO

Dr Catherine Hamlin and Dr Reg Hamlin 

Founders

Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin were pioneering obstetrician-gynaecologists who went to Ethiopia over 65 years ago to train midwives. Catherine was Australian and Reg originally from New Zealand. On arrival to Ethiopia, their attention soon turned to the plight of the obstetric fistula patients. Together, the Hamlins perfected the modern technique for obstetric fistula surgery and set up a network of hospitals in Ethiopia (Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia) to help these women. So far, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has helped more than 70,000 women. They lived and worked at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital until Reg passed away in 1993 (age 85), and Catherine in 2020 (age 96). Catherine was twice-nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. She was also awarded an Ethiopian citizenship by the late PM Meles Zenawi. 

Dr Mengistu Asnake

Chair

Dr Mengistu has a medical degree from Gondar College of Medical Sciences and a Master’s in Public Health from Addis Ababa University. He is a Public Health specialist with more than 35 years of experience in reproductive health, primary health care, child survival, community health services, program management, research and clinical service delivery. He served as the President of the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) from 2006-2009 and as a Vice- President and President for the World Federation of Public Health Association (WFPHA) from 2012-2016. Mengistu currently serves as the Senior Country Director of Pathfinder International in Ethiopia. Pathfinder is one of the largest maternal health NGOs in the world and their program in Ethiopia is extensive. Mengistu was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2015 and appointed Chair in 2021. 

Dr Yigeremu Abebe Asemere

Director

Dr Yigeremu has a medical degree and a postgraduate diploma in Internal Medicine from the Addis Ababa University. He worked as a general practitioner whilst completing his postgraduate diploma. In 2006 Dr Yirgeremu was appointed the Country Director in Ethiopia for the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) leading a large program combat HIV/AIDS and other preventable and treatable diseases in Ethiopia. He recently retired from that position. Yigeremu was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2015.

Dr Kebede Worku

Director

Dr Kebede Worku has a medical degree from Addis Ababa University and a strong background in Public Health programmatic and operational leadership. He is Senior Advisor to the Ethiopian Minister of Health. He was previously the State Minister for Health for Ethiopia and has previously served as a member of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria; Chairperson of the African Constituency Bureau of the Global Fund, Chairperson of Tikur Anbessa Hospital (Black Lion Hospital), Chairperson of Ethiopia’s national Nutrition Coordination Body and he oversaw development and execution of Ethiopia’s national HIV Prevention and Control Program. Kebede was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Dr Mahlet Yigeramu Gebremariam

Director

Dr Mahlet Yigeremu Gebremariam is Consultant Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University. She was previously Dean of School of Medicine Addis Ababa University and CEO of Tikur Anbessa Hospital (Black Lion Hospital). She is a dedicated advocate and researcher for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Mahlet was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Ato Jemal Kassaw

Director

Ato Jemal Kassaw is Ethiopia Country Representative, EngenderHealth and has worked with the organization for 16 years. He was previously HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator and Health and Nutrition Advisory to Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief and he has served as Chair of the Board for the Consortium of Reproductive Health Associations (CORHA) and on the boards and advisory councils of a number of public health associations and advocates for gender equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Jemal was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Ms Tadelech Shiferaw

Director

Ms Tadelech Shiferaw is the Director of International Banking at Enat Bank S.C. in Ethiopia. Enat Bank S.C. was established by 11 visionary women to empower women financially. Previously, Tadelech’s previous roles were in banking and risk management in Ethiopia. Tadelech holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Business Administration from Rift Valley University. Tadelech was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.

Tesfaye Mamo

Chief Executive Officer

Ato Tesfaye brings over 20 years of experience in government and non-government organizations to his role. He has a Masters degree in Transformational Leadership & Change from the University of Greenwich, England and previously served as Managing Director of Tikur Anbessa Hospital (Black Lion Hospital). Tesfaye has earned another Masters degree from Addis Ababa University in the field of Logistics and Supply Chain.  Tesfaye leads Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s operational and programmatic deliveries with the Senior Management Team. He commenced as Deputy CEO in 2018 and was appointed CEO in 2019. Tesfaye has a strong vision for the future of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.