Excellence in Specialized Healthcare Since 1934
ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital is one of Ethiopia’s largest and leading federal comprehensive specialized hospitals, delivering advanced clinical care, medical education, research, and innovation. Located in Kolfe Keranyo Sub-City, Addis Ababa, the hospital serves as a national referral center, providing high-quality specialized healthcare to patients from across Ethiopia and neighboring countries.
For more than 90 years, ALERT has been at the forefront of healthcare transformation in Ethiopia. From its origins as Africa’s pioneering center for leprosy treatment and rehabilitation, the hospital has evolved into a modern multidisciplinary institution committed to excellence in patient care, education, research, innovation, and health systems strengthening.
Today, ALERT operates 654 inpatient beds, employs 2,050 highly dedicated healthcare professionals and support staff, provides 36 clinical specialties and 9 subspecialty services, and delivers comprehensive healthcare through 22 clinical and administrative departments. The hospital serves more than 1,500 patients every day, records over 560,000 outpatient visits, 18,500 inpatient admissions, and 31,000 emergency cases annually, while performing more than 20,800 surgical procedures each year.
As part of its ongoing transformation, ALERT is undertaking the largest expansion in its history through the construction of Ethiopia’s first 500-bed National Trauma Center, a 300-bed Dermatology and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Center, and the establishment of the National Biomedical Engineering and Medical Equipment Refurbishment Center, further strengthening its position as a national center of excellence for specialized healthcare.
The history of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital dates back to 1934, when the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) established a leprosarium dedicated to the care of people affected by Hansen’s disease (leprosy). During the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I, the institution was named Princess Zenebework Memorial Hospital in honor of the late Princess Zenebework.
Recognizing the growing burden of leprosy across Africa and the need for a specialized institution dedicated to treatment, rehabilitation, training, and research, the Government of Ethiopia and international partners established the All-Africa Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Rehabilitation Training Centre (ALERT) on 11 December 1965.
Over the following decades, ALERT became Ethiopia’s foremost referral center for leprosy and its complications. The institution pioneered comprehensive approaches to patient care, disability prevention, community-based rehabilitation, professional training, and operational research. ALERT also played a significant role in the introduction and implementation of Multidrug Therapy (MDT), a breakthrough that transformed the global management of leprosy.
In recognition of its outstanding contribution to global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated ALERT as a WHO Collaborating Centre for International Leprosy Training, acknowledging its leadership in professional education, technical support, and international collaboration.
Following Ethiopia’s integration of leprosy and tuberculosis services into the primary healthcare system in 1995, ALERT expanded its mandate beyond leprosy to become a comprehensive specialized healthcare institution. In 2002, the hospital became a federal institution under the Federal Ministry of Health, reinforcing its strategic role within Ethiopia’s healthcare system.
Today, while preserving its historic leadership in leprosy care and rehabilitation, ALERT has transformed into one of Ethiopia’s leading comprehensive specialized hospitals, delivering advanced healthcare services across a broad range of medical and surgical disciplines.
ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital provides 36 clinical specialties and 9 subspecialty services supported by multidisciplinary teams, advanced medical technologies, and evidence-based clinical practice.
Our major areas of service include:
ALERT continues to deliver high-volume, high-quality specialized healthcare while expanding access to advanced tertiary services.
Over the past three years, ALERT has significantly expanded its surgical capacity.
Continuous investment in quality has resulted in measurable improvements across the hospital.
Education, training, and research have been central to ALERT’s mission since its establishment.
The hospital serves as a major teaching institution for undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing professional education, working closely with universities, professional colleges, the Ministry of Health, and national and international partners to strengthen Ethiopia’s health workforce.
ALERT is also home to the internationally renowned Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), one of Africa’s leading biomedical research institutions. Since its establishment in 1970, AHRI has made globally recognized contributions to research on leprosy, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, immunology, and public health.
Through its research and academic programs, ALERT continues to:
Innovation is central to ALERT’s vision for the future. The hospital continues to invest in:
These initiatives support ALERT’s commitment to delivering smarter, safer, more efficient, and patient-centered healthcare.
Building on more than 90 years of excellence, ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital is shaping the future of specialized healthcare in Ethiopia through innovation, strategic investment, and national leadership.
A landmark project that will become Ethiopia’s first National Trauma Center, providing comprehensive trauma, emergency, surgical, and critical care services while serving as a national center for clinical excellence, education, research, and disaster preparedness.
A state-of-the-art national referral center that will expand access to specialized dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, burn care, microsurgery, rehabilitation, education, and research.
This pioneering national center will strengthen Ethiopia’s healthcare system by providing biomedical engineering services, preventive maintenance, calibration, refurbishment, quality assurance, and lifecycle management of medical equipment. It will enhance the reliability and sustainability of healthcare technologies, build national technical capacity, reduce equipment downtime, and support healthcare institutions across the country.
In addition, ALERT remains committed to:
For more than 90 years, ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital has remained dedicated to improving lives through compassionate care, clinical excellence, education, research, and innovation.
Today, ALERT stands as one of Ethiopia’s largest and leading federal comprehensive specialized hospitals, a nationally trusted referral center, a premier teaching institution, a recognized leader in medical research, and a driving force in healthcare innovation and health systems strengthening.
Guided by our commitment to excellence, integrity, compassion, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, we remain dedicated to transforming healthcare, advancing medical science, and building a healthier future for Ethiopia, Africa, and beyond.
Your Health is Our Mission.
Welcome to the official website of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, one of Ethiopia’s leading federal comprehensive specialized hospitals, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare, advancing medical education and research, and contributing to the strengthening of the nation’s health system. For more than nine decades, ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital has been a trusted center of excellence in specialized healthcare. Today, the hospital provides comprehensive services across a broad range of specialties, including trauma and emergency care, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, rehabilitation, critical care, and many other specialized clinical services. Our multidisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals is committed to delivering safe, compassionate, equitable, and evidence-based care to every patient we serve. As a federal public hospital accountable to the Ministry of Health, ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s healthcare system. Beyond delivering specialized clinical services, we are committed to training the next generation of health professionals, advancing research and innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and supporting national health priorities through excellence in service delivery and institutional leadership. Innovation, quality improvement, patient safety, and digital transformation are at the heart of our strategic direction. We continuously invest in modern technologies, strengthen our systems, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning to ensure that our patients receive timely, effective, and compassionate care. Looking to the future, ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital is committed to expanding access to high-quality specialized healthcare through the continued development of centers of excellence, including a state-of-the-art National Trauma Center, the Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Center, the Pediatric Eye Care Center, and other specialized services that respond to the evolving healthcare needs of Ethiopia and the region. Our vision is for ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital to be a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in patient care, education, research, innovation, and health system leadership. Achieving this vision requires collaboration, dedication, and the trust of our patients, partners, and stakeholders. Thank you for visiting the website of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. We invite you to explore our services, learn more about our work, and join us in our shared mission of transforming lives through excellence in healthcare, education, research, innovation, and community service.
Together, we are building a healthier future for Ethiopia.
Dr. Shimelis Gezahegn
MD, Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Chief Executive Director
ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
CEO of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
To improve the health and well-being of our community by providing integrated, patient-centered, and specialized clinical care, advancing medical education, and driving innovative clinical research to shape the future of healthcare.
To be a national and internationally recognized center of excellence in specialized clinical services, research, and medical education, setting the standard for high-quality, innovative, and compassionate healthcare.
Patient-Centered Care – We prioritize the dignity, well-being, and unique needs of every patient.
Professionalism - We uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability.
Ownership- We take responsibility for our roles, actions, and contributions to the hospital’s success.
Innovation -We embrace new ideas, technologies, and research to continuously advance healthcare.
Service Excellence – We are committed to delivering compassionate, efficient, and world-class care.
ALERT is nationally recognized for excellence in highly specialized healthcare and continues to strengthen its role through dedicated Centers of Excellence in:
These Centers of Excellence integrate specialized clinical care, education, research, innovation, and advanced technology to improve patient outcomes, develop highly skilled professionals, and strengthen Ethiopia’s healthcare system.
A landmark project that will become Ethiopia’s first National Trauma Center, providing comprehensive trauma, emergency, surgical, and critical care services while serving as a national center for clinical excellence, education, research, and disaster preparedness.
A state-of-the-art national referral center that will expand access to specialized dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, burn care, microsurgery, rehabilitation, education, and research.
This pioneering national center will strengthen Ethiopia’s healthcare system by providing biomedical engineering services, preventive maintenance, calibration, refurbishment, quality assurance, and lifecycle management of medical equipment. It will enhance the reliability and sustainability of healthcare technologies, build national technical capacity, reduce equipment downtime, and support healthcare institutions across the country.
ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital is one of Ethiopia’s oldest, largest, and most respected federal specialized hospitals. For decades, the hospital has played a pivotal role in advancing specialized healthcare, medical education, research, and health systems development. Today, ALERT continues to serve as a national referral center while transforming into a center of excellence for highly specialized clinical care, innovation, and research.
Established in 1934 and reorganized as a specialized institution in 1965, ALERT has built a distinguished reputation for clinical excellence and public service. The hospital has made significant contributions to Ethiopia’s healthcare system, particularly in:
As a federal comprehensive specialized hospital accountable directly to the Federal Ministry of Health, ALERT serves as a vital tertiary anchor for Ethiopia. The institution delivers high-complexity care through multidisciplinary teams, utilizing advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, and rehabilitation pathways to treat hundreds of thousands of referred patients annually from all regions of the country.
ALERT houses Ethiopia’s National Trauma Center, a landmark state-backed project transforming emergency medicine nationwide. This dedicated infrastructure integrates:
To consolidate clinical authority, ALERT is structuring internationally benchmarked Centers of Excellence across five priority domains:
Long recognized as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre, ALERT maintains an international reputation for its contributions to leprosy control and disability prevention. The hospital actively collaborates with global health organizations, foreign universities, and international clinical experts, cementing its status as an African hub for specialized medical knowledge exchange.
The ALERT campus directly integrates the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), one of Africa’s premier biomedical research institutions. This physical co-location bridges the gap between laboratory science and bedside care, driving clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and the rapid translation of scientific discoveries into improved national health protocols.
Unlike traditional single-block hospitals, ALERT operates within a sprawling, self-sustaining healthcare campus. This unique ecosystem maximizes operational synergy by co-locating:
ALERT’s expansive campus leverages nature as an active component of patient recovery. The mature trees, landscaped gardens, and quiet open spaces offer a peaceful, low-stress environment that reduces patient anxiety, mitigates staff burnout, and promotes environmental sustainability within an urban setting.
Prioritizing safety and inclusivity, a significant portion of ALERT’s inpatient wards are designed as ground-level layouts. This intentional structural design facilitates:
For decades, ALERT’s specialized workshop has led the nation in restoring mobility and independence to individuals living with physical disabilities. The facility excels in the custom fabrication, fitting, and maintenance of:
To ensure operational self-reliance, ALERT maintains dedicated engineering and technical workshops. These teams reduce institutional dependence on external supply chains by manufacturing select medical equipment, repairing complex hospital devices, fabricating customized surgical accessories, and engineering cost-effective local infrastructure solutions.
ALERT champions environmental and nutritional sustainability through an active campus-based urban agriculture program. By producing fresh vegetables, fruits, honey, and eggs on-site, the initiative directly supports patient dietary nutrition, enhances staff wellness, and establishes a green model for self-sustaining public healthcare facilities.
The hospital combines multidisciplinary medical expertise with advanced technologies to deliver evidence-based care across an expansive matrix of specialties:
ALERT is executing a comprehensive digital roadmap to optimize clinical safety, operational efficiency, and data-driven quality improvement through the deployment of:
As a premier national teaching hospital, ALERT shapes the next generation of healthcare leaders. The institution builds robust clinical capacity through structured medical residency training, specialized sub-specialty fellowships, clinical attachments for health science students, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, and dedicated research mentorship pipelines.
ALERT accelerates its growth by cultivating high-impact partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health, prominent international universities, global research consortiums, bilateral development partners, and professional medical associations. These alliances directly fund and fuel advancements in workforce capacity, infrastructure upgrades, and clinical research.
Positioning itself as an emerging healthcare destination for East Africa, ALERT provides highly specialized, internationally benchmarked clinical interventions at competitive, affordable price points. The hospital targets regional patient intake across its core strengths—specifically Spine Surgery, Complex Reconstructive Surgery, Trauma Care, and Advanced Rehabilitation—positioning Ethiopia as a regional center for medical excellence.
At its core, ALERT operates on a patient-first philosophy. The hospital guarantees clinical care that is explicitly safe, compassionate, respectful, equitable, and evidence-based. By fusing technical, cutting-edge excellence with human dignity and continuous quality improvement, ALERT delivers a holistic healing experience for every patient.
With nearly a century of foundational service, a distinct federal mandate, and a clear vision for regional leadership, ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital stands as a pillar of African medicine—committed to improving patient outcomes, pioneering scientific research, and strengthening health systems for generations to come.
Your Health is Our Mission
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Explore our gallery to see our state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated team, and the heart of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in action.
