Building Better Tomorrow

Gezana-BBT Foundation Inc.

📣 መፍለጢ ምልክታ

ግጥሚ ክተንብቡ ንትህንጠይ፣
እዛ መበኮር ናይ ግጥሚ መፅሓፈይ፣
ትመፅእ ኣላ ሃየ ኣንብቡለይ፣
ሪኢቶኹም ኣይትቖጥቡለይ።

ተሸይጡ እቲ ኣታዊ ገንዘብ ንብኹናት ዝተሃሰየ ማሕበረሰብ
እዩ ክኸውን።

የቐንየለይ!

My Sunday Sermon

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” — Matthew 5:9

“Put your sword back in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” — Matthew 26:52

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” — 1 Corinthians 13:13

Let us choose peace over violence, and love over hate.

Let’s speak up for peace, reject harm, and be peacemakers in our words, actions, and communities.

Let love guide our words and actions to be peacemakers in our communities and beyond.

Amen! Help us God!

View original post on X
#LoveFaithHopePeace #ChoosePeace #RejectViolence #PutYourSword

🔔 New Publication Alert 🔔 Enjoy reading!

Frey, L. J., Gebregziabher, M., Bishu, K. G., Youngblood, B., Obeid, J. S., Shi, J., Alba, P. R., & Halbert, C. H. (2026).

Impact of Cumulative Social Determinants of Health on Odds of Diabetes Incidence in U.S. Veterans

Diabetology, 7(2), 37.

ተዘክሮታት 2020-2022፣ ትግራይ ኣብ ዕፅዋን ክባን እናሃለወት

ንዘይረኣኹምን ዘይነበርኩምን እንታይ ንዓይይ ኔርና? እንመን እንታይ ተራ ኔርዎም?

3ተ በሉ
My interview with Berihu of VTP Dec 17, 2021
Weaponization of health care– the Tigrigna interview covers the extent of the problem and possible solutions.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DYq47ZHqV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🍀Celebration of Humanity 🍀

On Tuesday, Jan 20th, evening, a wonderful event that has started 37 years ago – The Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration sponsored by a consortium of five colleges and universities in the Charleston area took place and I was part of it in a meaningful way- as an awardee.

I feel honored and deeply humbled to be selected as the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award by The Consortium’s MLK Humanitarian Award Committee. 

This recognition of my advocacy on the #Tigray war and its humanitarian consequences, my humanitarian service, and mentorship, within MUSC, near and afar communities, and my service to the research profession, means a great deal to me.

Dr. King reminded us that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” His words remain profoundly relevant as communities across the world continue to face serious human rights violations, displacement, and barriers to dignity and safety.

As we reflect on his legacy, I invite colleagues, partners, students and fellow professionals to continue strengthening our collective commitment to equity, compassion, and principled action.

Whether through scholarship, mentorship, clinical service, or community engagement, each of us plays a role in advancing human rights and protecting the vulnerable.

Thanks to the Committee for this meaningful honor. I remain committed to carrying forward the ideals of service and humanity that Dr. King championed.

I would like to thank my mentees Courtney Jackson and Ralph Ward for their nomination (sweeter when recognized by your mentees) and Dr Florez of DPHS and Dr Santa Ana of HERO innovation Center of the Charleston VA for supporting the nomination.

I would like to thank my family, especially my late mom, who has been a cause for me to fight against injustice peacefully and my great friends, colleagues and mentors who came from near and far to share our celebration.

I would also like to thank Dr @DantePelzer, President of the Consortium and MUSC MLK committee, for his leadership and MUSC for believing in my humanitarian work, the College of Charleston for hosting the event.

Last but not least, many thanks to the college students who served as ushers, choirs and a-cappella from the different colleges, the President of CofC @CofCHsu (Dr Hau), President of Charleston Southern University (Dr Faulkner), Trident Tech President (Dr Wood) and their teams for gracing the event.

Special mention- Kiros Gebremedhin who travelled from Atlanta to be part of our joy! የቐንየለይ!!

ፕሮፌሰር ሙሉጌታ ገብረሰላሴ ገብረእግዚኣብሄር

ብኣካዳሚያ ካብ ፒኤችዲ ዝሓዘሉ 2006 GC (1998 ዓም) ጀሚሩ እሰካብ ሎሚ ዝገበሮምን ዝተዓወተሎም ብሓፂሩ
  • >300 ናይ መርምር ሰራሕቲ ዘሕተመ
  • ኣብ ፍሉጣት ጆርናላት ዓለምና ጃማ፣ ሳይንስ፣ ላንሰት፣ ቢኤመጀ፣ ባዮሜትሪክስ፣ ዳያቤቲክሰ ኬር፣ ኒሮኢመጅ ካልኦትን ብዛዕባ ኹናት ትግራይን ሳዕቤኑን፣ ብዛዕባ ኣብ ዓለምና ዘለዉ ከበድቲ ሕማማት ምርምሩ ዘሕተመ
  • በማኢት ኣብዝቑፀሩ ብሄራዊን ዓለምለኻዊ ኮንፈረንስታትን ተዓዲሙ ዘቕረበን ዘቐርብ ዘሎን። ዓላም ለኸ ኤድሰ ሶሳይቲ፣ ኣሜሪካ ፓብላከ ሄልዝ ኣሶስየሸን፣ ኣሜሪካ ሰታቲሰቲካል ኣሶሴየሸን፣ ኣካዳሚ ሄልዝን ካልኦትን።
  • ካብ ኣሜሪካ፣ ኣፍሪካ ከመአኡውን ትግራይ ኣማዒት ዶክትሬት ተመሃሮ፣ መናእሰይ ናይ ዩኒቨርሰቲ መምህራንን ተመራመርቲን ዘሰልጠነ፣ ዘማኸረ፣ ናብ ቀፃሊ መዕራፍ ካሪሮም ዘሰጋገረ
  • ቴንዩርድ ፕሮፌሰር፣ ሳይንቲስት፣ መራሒ ትካላት፣ ፒኣይ ኔይ ግራንትታት፣ ወላዲ፣ መሬሒ ሰድራ እዩ።
  • ናይ ሰላም ሎውሬት፣ ኤኤሰኤ ፌሎው፣ ሕሩይ ኣባል ኣይኤሰኣይ፣ ናይ ማርቲንግ ሉተርኪንግ ሰብኣዊ ተምሳሌት ተሸላሚ። ኮታሰ 31 ፍሩያት ሸልማታት ዝተሸለመ ወዲ ሃገረ ትግራይ።
ሰብኣዊ ሰራሕቲ
  • ፍሚሊ ፍውንዴሸን መሰሪቱ፣ ብገንዘቡ ሰብኣዊ ሰራሕቲ ዘሳልጥ።
  • ምስ ትካላት ትግራይ ተሓባቢሩ ግዱኡ ዝዋፃእ። ሓገዝ ሓርበኛታት፣ ግዳያት ዓመፅን ጄኖሳይድን፣ ዝባደሙ ቁሸታትን ከምኡውን ዩኒቨርስታትን ክሕግዝ ዝነጥፍ።
ኣርት
  • ደራሲ፣ ኣርቲስት፣ ገጣሚ፣ ዘማሪ፣ ፕሮዲዩሰር
ቃልሲ ዲያስፓራ
  • ትካላትን ኮሚኒቲን መሰሪቱ፣ ዝመርሕ ዘተሓባብር
  • ንመኸተ ትግራይ ዓቢይ ናይ ግዘ፣ ፍልጠትን ገንዘብን አሰተዋፅኦ ዝገበረ
  • ከም ኣምባሳደር ትግራይ ኮይኑ ዝነጥፍን ዝሰርሕን
  • ጋዜጠኛ፣ ተንታኒ፣ መድረኻት መራሒ
  • ብልፅቲ ትግራይ ክትምሰረት ዝሰርሕን ዝብህግን
መግለፂኡ
  • እንተዓቢ ካልኦት ሒዙ ዝዓቢ፣ ኣንፃር ኢፍትሓውነት ዝቃለስ፣
  • ንሰላም ዝጉስጉስ፣
  • ኣብ መትእስሳር ትካላት ዝነጥፍን ዝመርሕን።
  • ፈታዊ ኣዲኡን ዓዱን እዩ።

International Health Section - APHA Awards

I am Blessed, Grateful and Honored

International Health Section – APHA Awards

I’m deeply honored to receive the 2025 Gordon-Wyon International Health Section Community-Oriented Public Health, Epidemiology and Practice Award from the American Public Health Association (APHA) in recognition of my outstanding contributions to public health.

My heartfelt thanks to those who nominated me and to the Awards Committee for this meaningful recognition. I am especially grateful to the International Health Section of APHA for their continued support and commitment to advancing global health equity.

This award is a reminder of the importance of collective action, collaboration, and the pursuit of justice and peace in public health. I look forward to continuing this work with colleagues & communities around the world.

Many thanks to my family, friends and colleagues, especially my mentor and great friend, Dr John Vena, for the encouragement and belief in my work and ideas. Thanks goes to the MUSC Center for Global Health, my department and college.


Dear Dr Mulugeta Gebregziabher, PhD

“On behalf of the American Public Health Association (APHA) International Health Section Awards Committee, I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected as the winner of the 2025 Gordon-Wyon APHA IH Section Community-Oriented Public Health, Epidemiology and Practice Award for your Outstanding Contributions. You were deemed highly deserving of this honor by your peers – congratulations!!”

Sincerely,
Jean Armas
APHA IH Awards Committee Chair
Awards Ceremony and Networking Session

Date: November 4, 2025,
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Washington DC Convention Center,
East Salon B

#PublicHealth
#GlobalHealth
#InternationalHealth
#APHA2025
#PeaceCaucus

#የቐንየለይ፣ Thank You to all of those who congratulated me & shared my happiness!!

2026 MUSC MLK Humanitarian Award Recipiant

I am honored and deeply humbled to share that I have been selected as the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award recipient by The Consortium of the Citadel, Charleston Southern University, Trident Technical College, College of Charleston and the MUSC MLK Humanitarian Award Committee.

This recognition of my advocacy, humanitarian service, and mentorship, within MUSC, our communities, and the research profession, means a great deal to me.

Dr. King reminded us that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” His words remain profoundly relevant as communities across the world continue to face serious human rights violations, displacement, and barriers to dignity and safety.

As we reflect on his legacy, I invite colleagues, partners, and fellow professionals to continue strengthening our collective commitment to equity, compassion, and principled action. Whether through scholarship, mentorship, clinical service, or community engagement, each of us plays a role in advancing human rights and protecting the vulnerable.

Thank you for this meaningful honor. I remain committed to carrying forward the ideals of service and humanity that Dr. King championed.

I would like to thank to my mentees (Courtney and Ralph) who nominated me for this and the people and institutions (Department of Public Health Sciences and The HERO Innovation Center at RHJ VAMC) that supported the nomination!

Celebration of this recognition will take place on Jan 20th, 2026 at the CofC Recital Hall.

Energy-Free Water Transport Project (Prototype)

This is a project initiated and being implemented by local Engineers at Don Bosco in Adwa, Tigray region of Ethiopia. The first phase of the project is to build a prototype which will transport water from ground level to elevation without using electricity or additional power supplies such as generator or solar power.

photo credit: Engineer Henock Yihdego

When One Connection Changes Everything: A Story of Water, Hope, and Two Little Girls

“Connection is the invisible thread that turns strangers into allies and miracles into reality.”

Don’t look for success and blessings in far or high places- it’s here!

Success often begins in the most unexpected places, sometimes with a single relationship, sometimes with a child in need, and sometimes with a miracle disguised as two tiny lives.

For me, it began with Hiyab and Whubto, the conjoined twins whom God placed in my path so that we could help them together.

Who could have imagined that these two little girls would become the thread stitching together a chain of connections far larger than any of us foresaw? Through the effort to support them, I introduced Lola Children’s Home to Fewsi. I brought the twins to Lola so they could be sheltered safely until their medical transfer to the United States. And by God’s grace, the CEO of Lola, Abe, became their guardian, escorted them here, and helped them receive the care they deserved.

What none of us knew then was that this very relationship, rooted in compassion for the twins, would one day help solve one of the persistent challenges at Lola Children’s Home: access to clean water.

Today, I am overjoyed to share that the water‑drilling project at Lola, supported by the generosity of Fewsi and solidarity of good friends of Tigray like Lewis and Helen, has reached a breakthrough. Lewis said “Drilling began just three days ago, and today they hit water at 92 meters!”

A miracle? A blessing? Absolutely.

But it is also a reminder: connections are a virtue, one we must nurture, honor, and cultivate.

Every genuine bond we form has the potential to ripple outward, bringing healing, resources, hope, and life to places we never imagined.
Because of the twins, Lola gained a guardian.

Because of the guardian, the children gained shelter.

Abe warmed my heart by writing to me “Thank you. You are leaving indelible mark at Lola children’s Home. As I always said thank you for the opportunity. May God bless you and your family abundantly. Always grateful for your generous support. You are amazing.”

Because of a growing network of caring hearts, the children of Lola now gain water, clean, life, sustaining water.

Their thirst is quenched. Our spirits are lifted. And our belief in the power of love and connection is reaffirmed.

From my heart, and on behalf of Fewsi, the twins, Gezana-BBT and all of us who have walked this journey, Thank You.

What is next?

May the coming year bring even more miracles born from the connections we choose to cultivate.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Donation information

If you or your connections would like to support a water project for accessing clean water or for feeding children & elderly affected by war and draught in village Amdo, Tigray, please do in this last call before the new year. Thank you!

Venmo: @gezana-bbt2
Zelle Email: Gezana.bbt@gmail.com
Website: www.gezana-bbt.org

Mulugeta Gebregziabher

Video shows water well funded by Fewsi foundation (Dr Mulugeta is a founding board director) after he introduced Lola to the Fewsi family through our collaboration to help Hiyab and Wuhbto- conjoint twins.

Praying for you at St Mary’s cathedral

True Friends- ምሕዝነት

Story of a fish 🐟 & seagull 🐦

Despite their differences, they spent hours sharing stories.The fish lived in the depth, quiet and thoughtful. The seagull soared high, loud and full of energy.

But that was never a problem…Until someone made it one.

One day, another seagull said: Why waste your time with a fish? It can’t fly with you or understand your freedom…” The seagull knew the fish couldn’t fly. She knew his world was filled with currents and shadows.

But instead of defending him… she stayed silent. Little by little, the words of others filled her with doubt. “Maybe they’re right,” she thought. And she decided to fly away. “If he truly values me, he’ll swim to the shore to find me…” And the fish did. Every single day. Swimming against strong tides. Exposing himself to predators. Risking everything to find his friend. But he never saw her. And each night, he returned to the depths, exhausted and sad. Until one day… he stopped swimming to the surface.

Word spread: the fish was ill. The currents could no longer hold him up. When the seagull heard, she flew without rest to the shore. There, she found the fish floating near the surface, barely alive. With one final effort, the fish moved his fins and said: “I’m glad you’re okay… I feared something had happened to you.” And he let the waves carry him. At peace, because he had done everything for his friend.

The seagull remained still. Crying. Regretting the doubts that drove her away. Realizing how precious their friendship had been. That day, she learned what she should never have forgotten:

Friendship or ምሕዝነት

🔹 True friendship doesn’t depend on how close or far we live.
🔹 What destroys a relationship isn’t distance, it’s insecurity.
🔹 Those who fail to appreciate what’s different lose something unique and unrepeatable.

The seagull spent the rest of her life flying near the shore, remembering her friend. She never blamed anyone.Because she understood it had been her decision to walk away.

I don’t know if you’re the fish or the seagull in this story. But if this touched you…

Don’t let DOUBT destroy something as valuable as FRIENDSHIP .

💬 “True friendship is an act of love that transcends differences.”
💬 “Beyond who we are, the heart will always find a way to connect.”

#truefriendship
#ምሕዝነት
Source: book of friendship

Mulugeta Gebregziabher, Patrick Wight, Lyla Mehta

Millions of People Urgently Need Life-Saving Aid in Tigray, Ethiopia - January 2024

Our Recent Humanitarian Mission

We donated over 500,000 ETB to 115 households in Amdo, Tigray region of Ethiopia on March 03, 2024.

The gripping visuals and imagery captured in the videos and photos encapsulate the arduous yet vital humanitarian mission undertaken in Amdo (Woreda Maikinetal, Tabia Wechi). Embarking on foot from Mifililay, our journey necessitated a treacherous crossing of the Seysa River.

Beyond Seysa, the terrain turned unforgiving, with steep inclines and rugged pathways challenging our resolve. Amidst this daunting landscape lay the remnants of an old road and a dilapidated bridge – vestiges of infrastructure long forgotten.

Yet, amidst the ruins, a glimmer of hope emerged. The prospect of resurrecting this forgotten route into a sturdy thoroughfare presented itself as a beacon of possibility. With access restored, vehicles could traverse the rugged terrain, reaching the elevated plateau where the St. George church stood sentinel.

Such a transformation could redefine existence for the community dwelling in the shadow of hardship. A rebuilt road coupled with the establishment of a water plant atop the plateau could catalyze profound change. No longer burdened by the tyranny of distance, residents could reclaim precious hours lost to daily pilgrimages to the river for water, engage in irrigation farming along the banks of the Seysa, and access vital amenities such as clinics, schools, and markets.

The urgency of this endeavor cannot be overstated. Those vested with the power to effect change must heed the call. The resilient people of Amdo, whose lives have been marred by the specter of conflict for over four decades, deserve nothing less. It is time for action, for through this gesture, we can bestow upon them the promise of a brighter, more equitable future.

Mulugeta Gebregziabher PhD
March 03, 2024

Amdo households receiving life-saving humanitarian aid - March 03, 2024
New Prosthetic Joy - The Story of Elias Tariku

As I journeyed back from a life-saving humanitarian mission in Amdo, I crossed paths with a father and son whose resilience touched my soul.

Engaging in conversation, I inquired about the young boy’s schooling, only to be met with the father’s somber admission that it was an impossibility. The nearest school lay kilometers away, its access roads impassable for a child reliant on crutches. Adding to their plight, the father lamented their lack of resources to seek medical help.

Moved by their plight, I offered to facilitate their journey to Mekelle, home to a renowned physiotherapy and prosthetic center. With gratitude shining in their eyes, they accepted my offer, and I penned a note detailing whom they should contact upon arrival.

In a heartening turn of events, the father reached out to me the next day, confirming their safe arrival in Mekelle. Swiftly, I connected them with the center, and the dawn brought with it a transformational moment – Elias Tariku stood tall on his new prosthetic legs.

Witnessing the radiance of joy illuminating the faces of father and son, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It was as if the universe had conspired to choose me as an instrument of change in their lives. In this extraordinary conclusion, Elias Tariku embraced a newfound freedom – a testament to the beauty of human kindness and resilience.

Mulugeta Gebregziabher PhD
March 03, 2024

Prof. Mulugeta Gebregziabher(left), Mr. Tariku(middle - father of Elias), Elias Tariku (right))
The Story of the Mango Tree - Axum University

In the heart of Axum University, nestled amidst the bustling corridors of academia, a humble mango tree stands as a silent sentinel of resilience and perseverance. Planted with care and foresight by none other than Pro. Mulugeta in the year 2007, this verdant guardian has weathered every storm and adversity thrown its way, emerging triumphant against the test of time.

As the seasons danced around it, the mango tree bore witness to the ebb and flow of life within the university grounds. It endured scorching summers and biting winters, its branches swaying defiantly against the elements. Through neglect and turmoil, it remained steadfast, a symbol of unwavering determination.

But it wasn’t just the capricious whims of nature that the mango tree had to contend with. Neglect and apathy threatened to overshadow its silent vigil. Yet, it stood tall, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, reminding all who passed by of the enduring power of resilience.

Now, in the year 2024, the mango tree stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Axum University. Its branches reach for the sky, casting a dappled shade over the pathways below. It serves as a living reminder of Pro. Mulugeta’s vision and dedication, a legacy etched in the very soil of the university.

In an ever-changing world, where challenges loom large and uncertainties abound, the mango tree serves as a source of inspiration. It whispers tales of perseverance and strength, urging all who encounter it to stand firm in the face of adversity. For in its steadfastness lies a timeless lesson – that with determination and resilience, even the mightiest of challenges can be overcome.

Mulugeta Gebregziabher PhD
March 21, 2024