The END Fund: Board & Investors Trip to Ethiopia
May 21 – 24, 2023
Join the END Fund for a board and investors trip to Ethiopia, where guests are invited to view and celebrate the achievements of the END Fund, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other in-country partners through a decade of partnership. During the trip, attendees will see firsthand the progress made towards eliminating NTDs in the country, with numerous opportunities to view the work of and hear directly from local partners. We look forward to hosting you and showcasing the life-changing work your support has helped to facilitate.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday, May 21
International Arrivals
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to the hotel.
For those who arrive early, there will be optional sightseeing excursions in the afternoon to Mount Entoto and Entoto Museum.
If you prefer, you can spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing and settling in at the hotel. The group will gather for a briefing at 6 PM, followed by a cocktail reception, and a casual dinner on the Meskel Terrace.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Day 2: Monday, May 22
Partner Site Visit
Today, you will leave the city of Addis for an all-day site visit to see the END Fund’s work in Arba Minch and meet with local partners. Participants will gain greater insight into the END Fund’s impact in Ethiopia.
After arriving in Arba Minch, you’ll be transferred to Shele Health Center to watch trachoma surgery. You will get to meet patients and healthcare workers, attend the screening process, surgery, and post-operation care.
Afterward, head to Paradise Lodge for a meeting with government officials and lunch.
The afternoon will be spent attending a school-based mass drug administration for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths
Late afternoon flight back to Addis. Dinner at your leisure.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Day 3: Tuesday, May 23
NTD Program Partner Workshop
The morning begins with a catered breakfast at the hotel, followed by the Program Partner Workshop.
Lunch will be served at the hotel restaurant, The Oriental.
For Board Members: After lunch, you will have free time or attend Advocacy Meetings (TBC) until the board meeting, which will take place at 4-6 PM at the hotel.
For Investors & Guests: There will be a tour of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) Lab in Addis Ababa. When the tour of EPHI Lab concludes, you have the option to return to the hotel or enjoy some sightseeing.
In the evening, guests are invited to attend a celebratory reception followed by dinner in recognition of 10 years of partnership and impact in Ethiopia!
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Day 4: Wednesday, May 24
Cultural Visit, Program Visit, Advocacy Meetings, and Departures
*Your room is booked through the 25th, so there is no need to check out today until you’re ready to depart for the airport.
Guests will have the opportunity to partake in an activity of their choosing this morning, selecting from a choice of a cultural visit, a program visit, or participating in advocacy meetings.
Cultural Visit & Advocacy Meetings – The Hyatt
For those who stay at the hotel for the morning Advocacy Meetings or in Addis for the cultural visit, lunch will be served at the hotel.
Program Visit – Jinka
If you choose to join the program visit, the focus will be to showcase the END Fund’s Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL or Kala-Azar) work in Jinka. You will depart for Jinka on an early morning flight. After your arrival, you will meet with the zonal heads and surveillance officers to understand the work supporting the South Omo district with the VL outbreak response. Next, you’ll visit the Jinka hospital and meet with the medical team to continue the discussion on the VL outbreak in the area.
Lunch at Eco-Omo Lodge.
After lunch, you’ll visit the Kala-Azar ward to meet with patients and understand treatment. Here you will meet with Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium to hear about their role and support relating to the VL outbreak in the area
Fly back to Addis – arrival planned for mid-afternoon.
Airport transfers will be arranged to suit your international departure flight back home – bon voyage!
The Elevate Destinations team is happy to design a customized itinerary for you if you’d like to explore more of Ethiopia or its neighboring countries. Check out Extend Your Travel for some inspiration!