International Fund for Africa | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
IFA is committed to ensuring the well-being of women and children in Ethiopia, especially the vulnerable who have limited access to a quality health and medical care, and other essential services such as education and adequate nutrition. We focus on maternal and child health development by strengthening the health care system, building local capacity, supplying much needed technology and implementing evidence-based interventions. We collaborate with communities, partners and key stakeholders to bring about sustainable change and resilience on all of our projects.
International Fund for Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
IFA is committed to ensuring the well-being of women and children in Ethiopia, especially the vulnerable who have limited access to a quality health and medical care, and other essential services such as education and adequate nutrition. We focus on maternal and child health development by strengthening the health care system, building local capacity, supplying much needed technology and implementing evidence-based interventions. We collaborate with communities, partners and key stakeholders to bring about sustainable change and resilience on all of our projects.
MEET OUR BOARD
Dr. Anteneh Roba, MD
IFA Co-Founder
President & Board Member
While working as an emergency room doctor at Houston’s Northwest Medical Center in Texas, had a life-changing experience in 2003 when he visited his native Ethiopia. Not having been there since prior to becoming a physician, Dr. Roba witnessed first-hand the suffering and deaths of babies and newborns from diseases that were preventable and treatable. Upon his return to the U.S. where he had become a citizen in 1996, he knew he had to do something to alleviate this needless suffering in Africa.
Dr. Roba’s extra-professional activities include promoting a vegan diet, working with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and animal protection.
Seble Nebiyeloul M.H.A.
IFA Co-Founder
Country Director
Coming from a Third World country, I am sensitive to the plight of poor people. My concern over high child mortality rates and the burden of disease due to preventable causes led me to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Allied Health with a minor in psychology and then a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration.
I am a true believer that one is never given a dream without also being given the power to make it come true. I am committed to bringing about the change I want to see by using my leadership skills to improve and develop equitable, effective strategies that address complex and interrelated health care issues in Africa. I am dedicated to alleviating the suffering of humans and animals. Read Seble’s Full Biography
Melanie Blake
IFA Board Member
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Melanie Blake is an immigrant from South Africa, who has experienced her own share of hardships in life and knows what it is like to lack basic necessities. Therefore Ms. Blake is very much aware that one person or organization can change a person’s life forever. Her goal in life is to make a difference and spread compassion around the world and works on a projects that will instill these ideas in young children and make them more aware of the world around them.
Anuj A. Shah, Ph.D
IFA Board Member
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Dr. Shah is interested in social justice movements and other organized efforts to remedy suffering and injustice against the oppressed, including the suffering of animals. My experience has shown me how desperate is the plight of many of my fellow human beings, Dr. Shah is glad to have the opportunity to serve as a board member for IFA as it finds new pathways to justice for impoverished people and abused animals.
Practicing in several areas of law with a special interest in civil rights, immigration, and animal law. Awarded the national Warren J. Ferguson Social Justice Essay Prize. He was also a scholar in residence at the international East-West Center in Honolulu, where he completed his doctorate in philosophy with a concentration in comparative philosophy, especially Indian versus Western thought.
Sefanit Fassil
IFA Board Member
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Sefanit Fassil, M.D is a pediatrician living with her husband and three young children in Bowie, Maryland. While working in Annapolis, Maryland, she became a child medical examiner and child advocate for Anne Arundel County, serving abused children.
Dr Fassil is glad to share her expertise and extend her compassionate nature and respect for life further by working with the International Fund for Africa pleases me immensely.
Tesfaye Mekonnen, M.D
Honorary Board Member
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From the time I studied medicine at the Higher Institute of Medical Science in, Cuba, I thought only of dedicating myself to improving medical care in places which are in dire need of improvements. I obtained my medical degree in 1988, and specialized in anesthesiologist in 1996.
In 2003, I joined WHO supporting the Ethiopian national violence and injury prevention program, and in 2004, I joined the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), which prepares health care and allied health professionals for public practice to assume key epidemiological and administrative roles in communities.
I currently work in Atlanta, providing support for emergency & disaster medicine development in Ethiopia. Living with my wife and three young children reminds me every day how important it is for every human being to have the chance for a happy and rewarding life. I am glad IFA shares my concern for the people of Africa.