Enhancing Critical Care: KfW-Funded Upgrades Boost Intensive Care Capacity at Black Lion Hospital

The Black Lion Hospital – or Tikur-Anbessa Hospital – in Addis Ababa

(IN BRIEF) Amid the severe challenges posed by Ethiopia’s ongoing civil conflict and an under-resourced healthcare system, The Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa is bolstering its intensive care services with significant new investments. The hospital, which serves as a critical healthcare institution in a country grappling with infrastructural and human resource deficiencies, has received funding from KfW Development Bank—working with the BMZ—to enhance both its equipment and staff training. The initiative includes the installation of new ventilators and advanced monitoring systems in its newly expanded intensive care units, as well as comprehensive training programs for doctors, nurses, and biomedical technicians. Additionally, the funding supports the establishment of a Bio-Medical Design Studio at Addis Ababa University, where students work on developing innovative medical products. These efforts are expected to not only double the hospital’s ICU capacity but also improve patient care through continuous monitoring and prompt maintenance, despite ongoing issues like spare parts shortages.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 7-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, The Black Lion Hospital—also known as Tikur-Anbessa Hospital—has taken a major step forward in enhancing its intensive care capabilities amid ongoing challenges in the country’s healthcare system. Since the civil conflict between government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front began at the end of 2020, the strain on an already fragile medical infrastructure has intensified. With limited resources and critical shortages in both equipment and skilled personnel, even basic healthcare services have been severely impacted. For instance, many doctors are forced to take on extra jobs, such as driving for ride-hailing services, to supplement their incomes, and there is a significant shortage of trained medical technicians essential for maintaining vital equipment.

The Bio-Medical Design Studio

In response, KfW Development Bank, in partnership with the BMZ, has long been supporting vocational training in biomedical technology to improve practical skills among healthcare workers and boost employment opportunities. A key initiative in this project is the recent financing for equipment at the Bio-Medical Design Studio at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Technology, where fifth-year students are given the opportunity to develop innovative medical products as their capstone projects.

Established in 1964, The Black Lion Hospital now operates with 700 beds and employs a comprehensive team that includes 200 doctors, nearly 400 nurses, and around 100 other medical specialists. As part of an extensive medical technology project, the hospital has recently procured new ventilators and advanced intensive care unit (ICU) equipment, alongside training programs for nurses and doctors in the operation of these devices. In addition, specialized maintenance workshops are being set up to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the equipment.

Dr. Nura Kedir

Dr. Nura Kedir, head of the intensive care unit at Black Lion Hospital, explains that the newly established ICU—opened just six months ago—features six surgical beds and six internal medicine beds, supported by eleven ventilators and twelve monitors. She notes that, thanks to KfW’s funding, the hospital’s capacity has doubled, enabling earlier patient admissions and continuous 24-hour monitoring. While the current challenge remains the availability of spare parts, the in-house biomedical workshop is already proving invaluable for ongoing repairs and maintenance.

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SOURCE: KfW Development Bank