Story of
Ethiopia
Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, is home to over 130 million people. It is located in the Horn of Africa and boasts a rich history and culture. As with most other low- and middle- income countries, Ethiopia is experiencing a growing burden of vascular disease, including diabetes-related complications, peripheral arterial disease, and venous insufficiency. However, vascular surgery remains largely under-developed, with no formal endovascular services available nationwide. Poor patient transport infrastructure means that most individuals outside the capital city of Addis Ababa cannot access vascular care.
In January 2024, Global Vascular Companionship conducted its first vascular surgery mission at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC)—a major tertiary hospital serving over 16 million people. This initiative aimed to introduce vascular surgical techniques, mentor local general surgeon Dr Lidya Gemechu (who aspires to become a vascular and endovascular surgeon in her region), and assess the feasibility of establishing long-term vascular services in Jimma.
Dr Iman Bayat with the surgical team at Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia —marking the successful completion GVC’s inaugural mission trip to Ethiopia
The Need for Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia
JUMC possesses robust surgical infrastructure – including a hybrid theatre shell under construction with a fixed C-arm for fluoroscopy – but lacks trained vascular and endovascular surgeons. Currently, only basic varicose vein procedures and renal access surgery are performed, and there is no formal endovascular training pathway for vascular specialists in the country.
- Increasing Vascular Disease Burden –
Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and venous insufficiency are common, but specialist care remains extremely limited. - Lack of Comprehensive Vascular Surgical Training –
No established endovascular surgery training programs exist for general surgeons. - Existing Infrastructure Without Specialists –
Despite adequate operating facilities and imaging technology, there is a critical shortage of trained personnel to perform advanced vascular and endovascular procedures.
Hybrid Theatre Shell in Jimma University Medical Centre
Fixed C-arm for Fluoroscopy, Jimma, Ethiopia
First Steps Toward a Vascular Service
During GVC’s mission (January 8-18, 2024), led by Dr Iman Bayat (Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, Melbourne), significant progress was made in introducing vascular procedures and mentoring local surgeon, Dr Lidya Gemechu at JUMC.
Key Achievements:
- Outpatient vascular clinic –
Reviewed and assessed patients with vascular pathologies - Performed the first brachio-basilic transposition for vascular access in Jimma, femoral endarterectomy, and varicose vein procedures.
- Education sessions –
Surgical training sessions, lectures and small-group teaching for general surgeons and trainees. - First ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy procedure performed in Jimma.
- Stock donations –
Fine sutures, surgical loupes, and essential consumables to support ongoing procedures. - Future planning discussions –
Meetings with hospital and university leaders to explore developing a vascular service in JUMC.
Through hands-on training and capacity building, the mission laid the foundation for a sustainable vascular care framework at JUMC, marking the first step toward establishing formal vascular services in Jimma, Ethiopia.
Dr Iman Bayat mentoring Dr Lydia Gemechu in performing an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation
Future Vision: Training Ethiopia’s Latest Vascular Surgeon
GVC is supporting Dr Lidya Gemechu to undertake a 12 month Vascular Surgery Fellowship at The Northern Hospital, Australia. This fellowship will cover both open and endovascular techniques, preparing her to lead Jimma’s vascular unit upon her return and to develop future training programs within the country.
Dr Lydia Gemechu performing a fistula revision procedure at JUMC
Dr Lydia Gemechu —
a general surgeon at JUMC
Next Steps for Vascular Surgery in Ethiopia
Over the coming months, key priorities include:
- Supporting Dr Gemechu’s fellowship to acquire foundational vascular and endovascular skills.
- Facilitating ongoing mentorship and case discussions between Ethiopian surgeons and GVC vascular specialists.
- Future GVC missions to JUMC to assist with complex vascular cases.
- Training in vascular ultrasound for local radiologists and sonographers.
- Expanding access to essential vascular consumables and instruments.
By training Ethiopia’s latest vascular and endovascular surgeon and leveraging existing resources, JUMC has the potential to develop a self-sustaining vascular service, ultimately improving patient care and vascular outcomes nationwide.
The Global Vascular Companionship remains committed to partnering with Ethiopian healthcare providers to build a sustainable vascular program for the future.
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