About Us

Building a Future Where Every Child Can Thrive

Mission : To improve the lives of individuals and families affected by birth defects through raising awareness, providing compassionate support, and advancing research and healthcare solutions.

Vision: A world where every child is born healthy, and families affected by birth defects have access to the care, support, and resources they need to thrive.

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Core Values:

  • Compassion: We lead with empathy and understanding
  • Excellence: We strive for the highest quality in all we do
  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships
  • Innovation: We embrace evidence-based solutions
  • Equity: We ensure access for all, regardless of background
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WHO WE ARE

Why Birth Defects Matter

Birth defects are one of the leading contributors to child mortality and morbidity worldwide, yet they often remain underprioritized in global health discussions. These conditions—ranging from neural tube defects like spina bifida to congenital heart anomalies—not only claim young lives but also impose long-term physical, emotional, and economic burdens on families and communities.

In low-resource settings, the impact is particularly devastating due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and inadequate rehabilitation services.

Our Commitment:

  • Awareness: Educating communities on risk factors and prevention strategies
  • Capacity Building: Training healthcare providers in early diagnosis and specialized interventions
  • Collaboration: Partnering with stakeholders to strengthen multidisciplinary care

Our Team

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Sr. Azeb Admassu

Board Member | Senior Midwifery Educator
Sr. Azeb Admassu is a senior midwifery educator and national coordinator at Ethiopia's Federal Ministry of Health, with over 37 years of experience in clinical care, education, and health system strengthening.
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Shewit Gebrehiwot

Board Member | Programme Leadership Specialist
Shewit Gebrehiwot is a senior programme leader with 16+ years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives across Africa. She has served in high-level roles within diplomatic missions and international organisations, overseeing regional portfolios and partnerships with bodies such as the African Union
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Dr. Demeke Mekonnen

Board Member | Consultant Pediatrician & Cardiologist
Dr. Demeke Mekonnen is a consultant pediatrician and cardiologist with over 14 years of clinical, academic, and public health experience across Ethiopia, Kenya, Europe, and the Caribbean.
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Dr. Nebiyat Tesfaye

Founder | MD | MPH
Dr. Nebiyat Tesfaye brings extensive expertise in Orthodontics and has been instrumental in advancing birth defect prevention and care initiatives in Ethiopia. With a commitment to evidence-based practice and community health, Dr. Tesfaye contributes strategic leadership to ABD's mission.
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Dr. Yakob Seman

Board Member
Dr. Yakob Seman is a dedicated advocate for child health with experience in [specialty area]. His work focuses on improving healthcare access and quality for vulnerable populations, making him an invaluable member of the ABD leadership team.
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Elias Hailemariam

Board Member
Elias Hailemariam brings expertise in [area of expertise] to the Alliance for Birth Defects. With a passion for social impact and organizational development, Elias helps guide ABD's strategic direction and community engagement efforts.
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Bereket

Board Member
Bereket is a committed advocate for maternal and child health with experience in [specialty area]. Their contributions to ABD focus on ensuring sustainable, community-centered approaches to preventing and treating birth defects.