Department of Pediatrics and child health


Message from the Head of Pediatrics and child health


"As the Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, I am honored to lead a team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in patient care, education, and research. Our department provides specialized services in outpatient care (OPD), inpatient care (WARD), emergency services (Pediatrics ER), and intensive care units (Neonatal ICU and Pediatric ICU).

We continuously strive to enhance patient outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and a multidisciplinary approach. Our team is also actively involved in training and research to advance medical knowledge and improve healthcare services. We look forward to further expanding our services and contributing to the hospital’s vision of becoming a national center of excellence.

We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of our team, the hospital management, and our partners who support our mission.

We care for every child as if they were our own! "

Dr.Alem Gezachew
(MD, Pediatrician)
 Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Alert Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

Historical Background

The Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at ALERT Hospital was established by the Clinton Foundation, primarily to care for children living with HIV. Initially, the department operated with a small team consisting of one general practitioner (GP), one health officer (HO), and three nurses. At its inception, there were no separate service areas such as the emergency room (ER), ward, or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Since then, the department has grown into a leading unit, providing comprehensive care across various specialty and subspecialty services. It serves patients from different parts of the country and also supports nearby health centers in improving pediatric care.

Yearly Performance

Each year, the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health reaches significant milestones, continuously progressing toward its goal of becoming a center of excellence. The following number of patients were treated over the past year across different service areas:

  • 10,500 patients seen in outpatient consultations
  • 1,208 inpatient admissions
  • 198 patients admitted and treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
  • 1,900 patients treated annually in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • 5,066 patients seen per year in the Pediatrics Emergency OPD

    Qualifications & Number of Health Professionals

    The department is staffed with a highly skilled team, including:

  • 2 subspecialists ( 1 neonatologist and 1 pediatric cardiologist )
  • 2 fellow seniors on pediatrics infectious diseases and pediatric cardiology departments.
  • 8 pediatricians specialists in pediatrics and child health
  • 14 general practitioners
  • 82 clinical nurses working in all areas
  • 5 nurses trained and working at OPD and ART clinic

    • Facilities and Equipment

    The department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure high-quality care, including:

  • PICU is equipped with five 5 mechanical ventilators
  • NICU unit has more than 35 beds and 6 mechanical ventilators.
  • OPD service provides outpatient treatment , ART service and OTZ and transition
  • The department is prepared to start Early child development (ECD) program.

    • Teaching/ Training Services

    The department is actively involved in the training of:

  • Training of nurses working at ER, WARD and NICU
  • Teaching Medical interns
  • Teaching C1 students
  • Training Other healthcare professionals from health centers

    • Service Hours.

    Our services are available in both the public and private wings during 3 times per week which will be modified in the future

  • Weekdays: private wing patients will be seen Tuesday ,Thursday after working hours and Saturday morning
  • Emergency and Inpatient Services: Available 24/7

    • Services provided by the department

    The department provides a comprehensive range of services, including:

  • Outpatient care and consultations
  • Inpatient services
  • Specialized procedures at different units including exchange transfusion

    • Future Plan

    Short term plans;

  • To establish a well-equipped and organized High Dependency Unit (HDU) to provide optimal inpatient care for critically ill patients in the ward. This unit will play a vital role in reducing patient mortality and morbidity.
  • To create opportunities for senior professionals to enhance their skills through various subspecialty training programs.
  • To collaborate with other pediatric associations in Africa to initiate residency programs.

    • Long term plans;

  • To collaborate with the ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital management team to establish the planned Center of Excellence in Pediatrics and to build and launch the first dedicated pediatric hospital in our country.