Ethiopia has long-established and distinctive traditions, but is one of the four poorest countries in the world.  In Gondar, the Leicester-Gondar Link is supporting developments in the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes and has contributed to local plans to enhance health care in the hospital and in the urban and rural communities.

The Leicester-Gondar Medical Link started as a result of health professionals in Leicester wanting to make a difference in the developing world and the strongly supported Link with The College of Medical Sciences in Gondar was established in 1996.  Over the years, there have been many projects that have been beneficial to both Leicester and Gondar including a fully independent Masters degree in Public Health training health workers from all over Ethiopia. 

In 2004, when the College of Medical Sciences developed into the University of Gondar, it was decided for the University of Leicester to become involved.  A Memorandum of Understanding was then signed between the two institutions, giving rise to the Leicester-Gondar University Link.  The aim of this link is to promote international fellowship and friendship, mutual respect, improved communications and cross cultural working leading to joint research and mutual development and support.

In 2008 the Leicester-Gondar Medical Link achieved independent charity status as Health Action Leicester for Ethiopia (HALE) Registered Charity Number 1122773.  Click here to visit the charity commission website for information on HALE.

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