Ethiopian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

18/08/2026

Congratulations to Ethiopia’s New Pediatric Hematologists and Oncologists 🎉

The Ethiopian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (ESPHO) proudly announces the graduation of five new Pediatric Hematologists and Oncologists from the national Ethiopian–ASLAN Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program.

It is with great honor and joy that we congratulate:

- Dr. Samuel Negash – Jimma University
- Dr. Hawi Babu – Jimma University
- Dr. Mulat Asrade – University of Gondar
- Dr. Nahom Cherinet – St. Paul’s Hospital
- Dr. Derje Ketema – St. Paul’s Hospital

We extend our sincere appreciation to Jimma University for hosting this year’s fellowship examination and to its Head, Dr. Diriba Fufa, for the excellent support, hospitality, and commitment to advancing pediatric hematology and oncology training.

Special recognition and heartfelt appreciation go to Dr. Ahmed Naqvi, Senior Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada, who has generously served as an examiner for our fellows for three consecutive years. His dedication, mentorship, and contribution to strengthening pediatric oncology capacity in Ethiopia are deeply valued.

A special accolade is also deserved by The ASLAN Project, which established Ethiopia’s first dedicated pediatric hematology and oncology unit and played a pivotal role in establishing and co-leading the national fellowship program. Its sustained commitment, partnership, and investment in training have been instrumental in making this remarkable achievement possible.

With the graduation of these five specialists, Ethiopia’s pediatric hematologist and Oncologist has now surpassed 40 (including fellows)making it one of the largest pediatric hematology and oncology workforces in Africa. This is a remarkable milestone for Ethiopia and a testament to what can be achieved through strong national and international collaboration.

This accomplishment reflects years of dedication, perseverance, mentorship, collaboration, and commitment from our fellows, faculty, training institutions, international partners, and all stakeholders who continue to invest in the future of childhood cancer care in Ethiopia.

Congratulations to our five new specialists! Your achievement marks another important milestone in our collective journey toward ensuring that every child with cancer in Ethiopia has access to quality, timely, equitable, and compassionate care.

Together, we are building a stronger pediatric hematology and oncology workforce and a brighter future for children with cancer in Ethiopia. 🇪🇹

06/08/2026

SIOP Africa Releases Its Mid-Year Newsletter for 2026

https://siop-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SIOP_Africa_Newsletter_July2026.pdf

SIOP Africa is pleased to share the July 2026 edition of its newsletter, a mid-year look at the people, progress and partnerships shaping paediatric oncology across the continent.

The Announcements section celebrates new leadership within the network, including Sidney Chahonyo as the new Chair of CCI Africa and Mariam Ndagire as Chair of the SIOP Africa Nursing Network, alongside congratulations to Dr Abel Hailu on the SIOP Rising Star Award and Dr Gashaw Arega on his runner-up recognition.

Under Strategic Goal 2, Promote Research and Knowledge Development, the newsletter highlights new publications on paediatric colorectal cancer and AI readiness in African oncology units, a newly published pharmacy curriculum, and a full recap of the 16th Biennial SIOP Africa Congress in Lagos, Nigeria, which drew 354 delegates and handed the baton to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for 2028.

06/08/2026

Discussions on the Development of Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment Guidelines

As the Ethiopian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (ESPHO) progresses toward finalizing the preparation treatment guidelines on the WHO Six Index pediatric cancer , we have gained invaluable experience throughout the process, particularly in adapting internationally recognized evidence and scientific advances to the realities of our local healthcare setting.

This journey has strengthened our understanding of how to translate global standards into practical, context-appropriate approaches that address the unique challenges and resources available within our system.

We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support and collaboration received from the Ministry of Health, the ASLAN Project, international experts, and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team. Their guidance, expertise, and commitment have been instrumental in advancing childhood cancer care in Ethiopia.

03/08/2026

We had a wonderful time of gratitude and fellowship with our Ambassador, Mrs. Lelise Dhugaa , as we celebrated the establishment of her foundation, Brave Hearts of Ethiopian Cancer Foundation.

Thank you for the warm Ethiopian hospitality and the gracious welcome you extended to us. We truly value and cherish the meaningful discussions we had and remain inspired by your commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

We wish Bravehearts of Ethiopian Cancer Foundation Cancer every success in making a lasting impact.

19/07/2026

Thank you, Professor Suzanne Turner, for your outstanding presentation on childhood cancer biology and for demonstrating how research in this field is revolutionizing treatment and improving outcomes for children with cancer.

Your inspiring examples of collaborative work in Uganda and Nigeria provided invaluable lessons for the Ethiopian team as we strive to transform the childhood cancer landscape in our country.

We sincerely appreciate your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing childhood cancer research globally. Keep up the remarkable work, Cambridge team!

18/07/2026

Our visit on the second day was an inspiring blend of scientific excellence, innovation, and a glimpse of Ethiopia's rich heritage through a city tour. We had the privilege of visiting St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, OncoPath Advanced Diagnostic Center, and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI).

Witnessing the remarkable transformation of St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College was truly inspiring. Its rapid trajectory, newly established fully automated laboratories, and advanced molecular diagnostic facilities—among the most advanced of their kind in Africa—reflect Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to comprehensive cancer care. The hospital's impressive infrastructure, with a growing focus on precision medicine and cardio-oncology, demonstrates the country's vision for building world-class healthcare services.

Our visit to OncoPath Advanced Diagnostic Center showcased the extraordinary achievements of Ethiopia's private healthcare sector. Against all odds, the center now processes approximately 60,000 pathology specimens annually, while providing cutting-edge diagnostic services, including immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry. It stands as a powerful example of innovation, resilience, and the tremendous potential of public-private partnerships in strengthening cancer diagnosis and patient care.

The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) was equally impressive. Its state-of-the-art immunohematology and molecular laboratories are equipped with advanced technologies for fresh cell isolation and culture, DNA sequencing, fluorescence microscopy, and translational research integrated with diagnostic services. The scale of investment and scientific capacity we witnessed was truly remarkable. Coordinating and sustaining such sophisticated systems is no small task, but it is exactly this kind of visionary investment that will propel Ethiopia's healthcare and research landscape to the next level.

We are deeply encouraged by what we witnessed throughout the day. These institutions exemplify Ethiopia's growing capacity in clinical care, diagnostics, research, and innovation. Together, they are laying a strong foundation for a future where every child and every patient has access to high-quality, evidence-based healthcare.

16/07/2026

Welcome, Professor Suzanne Turner!

The Ethiopian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (ESPHO) is honored to welcome Professor Suzanne Turner, Professor of Childhood Cancer Biology at the University of Cambridge and Secretary General-Elect of SIOP.

During her visit to Ethiopia, Professor Turner visited the ESPHO Office, the Department of Pathology, the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit at Addis Ababa University, Lancet Women and Children Hospital and the MRC Ethiopia Molecular Laboratory. The MRC Ethiopia Molecular Laboratory is a center of excellence in molecular diagnostics and is the country's leading—and currently the only—laboratory dedicated to comprehensive human genetics research and advanced genetic testing. Her visit highlighted the importance of integrating cutting-edge molecular diagnostics and genomic research into childhood cancer care.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful discussions on strengthening collaboration in childhood cancer research, with the shared goal of improving the lives of children battling cancer through innovation, research, and capacity building.

ESPHO sincerely thanks Professor Turner for her outstanding global leadership and her unwavering commitment to advancing childhood cancer care and research, particularly across Africa. Her dedication continues to inspire efforts to ensure that every child with cancer has access to better diagnosis, treatment, and hope.

Professor Turner's visit will continue with tours of additional healthcare and research facilities, further strengthening partnerships and fostering collaborative research to advance childhood cancer care in Ethiopia and beyond.

06/07/2026

Congratulations Dr. Alemayehu for choosing to hold his celebration at Tesfa Addis Parents Childhood Cancer Organization. In doing so, he has shown meaningful solidarity with children and families affected by cancer and offered them hope.

We are all part of one extended family—children and their families, doctors, nurses, nutritionists, psychosocial professionals, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations—working together toward a common goal.

Let us continue to share meaningful and memorable moments with these children who are in urgent need of our support and compassion.

05/07/2026