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ALERT: A Legacy of Pioneering Healthcare in Africa

Established in 1934 by the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) as a leprosarium, the All-Africa Leprosy, Tuberculosis, and Rehabilitation Training Centre (ALERT) has evolved into a cornerstone of African healthcare. Initially named Princess Zenebework Memorial Hospital by Emperor Haile Selassie I, it transitioned in 1965 to address Africa’s growing leprosy burden, becoming a hub for treatment, rehabilitation, and training through international collaboration.

Renowned as Ethiopia’s leading referral center for leprosy, ALERT gained global recognition in 1988 as a WHO Collaborating Center for International Leprosy Training. Its pioneering research and field programs revolutionized leprosy management, particularly through the implementation of Multidrug Therapy (MDT), a breakthrough adopted worldwide.

Strategically located in Addis Ababa’s Kolfe Keranyo Sub-City, ALERT expanded its scope in 1995 when Ethiopia integrated leprosy and tuberculosis (TB) control into primary healthcare. This shift broadened its mandate to include TB, addressing overlapping challenges of neglected diseases. In 2002, administrative transfer to the Federal Ministry of Health cemented its role as a public health leader, ensuring sustainable impact.

For nearly a century, ALERT has bridged specialized care and community health, adapting to emerging needs while maintaining its legacy of innovation. From its origins as a leprosy-focused institution to its current multidisciplinary approach, ALERT remains a model of resilience and excellence in global health.