Origins and Founding
humedica e.V. was founded in 1979 by Wolfgang Grosse, his brother Dieter, and seven colleagues in Kaufbeuren, Germany. Inspired by personal experiences of scarcity during a European and North African trip, the founders committed to addressing the needs of those affected by disasters and poverty. Derived from “humanitarian medical aid,” humedica has since provided medical and humanitarian support in over 90 countries across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Establishment in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, humedica formally registered as a foreign charity on February 22, 2010, under the Charities and Societies Agency, later re-registering under the Civil Society Organizations Proclamation in 2019. Over the years, humedica has supported vulnerable families and communities across Ethiopian regions through emergency aid and developmental initiatives.
Core Interventions
Key interventions include providing health, nutrition, and WASH services, constructing schools, water points, and health centers, distributing essential drugs, medical equipment, and food supplies, and supporting income generation activities. During the Northern Ethiopia conflict, humedica scaled up operations with mobile health and nutrition teams, GBV support, and lifesaving aid for IDPs, returnees, and host communities.
Refugee Support and COVID-19 Response
From 2011 to 2021, humedica was active in refugee camps in Dolo Ado and Melkadida, establishing health facilities and providing comprehensive care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, humedica partnered with health bureaus and facilities to supply critical medicines and equipment.
Current Operations and Partnerships
Currently, humedica operates in six regional states (Tigray, Amhara, Afar, Oromia, South Ethiopia, and Somali) and Addis Ababa, collaborating with national NGOs like Mothers and Children Multisectoral Development Organization (MCMDO), Organization for Welfare and Development in Action (OWDA) and Triple Nexus-Ethiopia to enhance localization and sustainability.