By: Yitbarek Tekalign
The vibrant town of Werka in Nensebo District, West Arsi Zone, witnessed a historic and emotional moment this morning as the Model Community Pharmacy was inaugurated in a colorful and culturally rich ceremony organized by Gudina Tumsa Foundation as part of its Dodola and Nansabo Integrated Community Development Program. The event gathered senior government leaders from West Arsi Zone and Nensebo District, alongside community elders, religious leaders, partners, beneficiaries, and members of the Foundation’s leadership and project staff, all united by a shared commitment to expanding access to essential healthcare services in one of the hardest-to-reach areas of Oromia.
Opening the ceremony, the Programs Director of Gudina Tumsa Foundation, Mr. Iyobed Yonas, welcomed participants on behalf of the Foundation and expressed deep satisfaction at seeing the Werka Model Community Pharmacy has officially begun service. He stated that the inauguration marks a meaningful milestone for GTF and the people of Nensebo District, as the pharmacy directly responds to long-standing healthcare access challenges faced by the community. In his remarks, Mr. Iyobed briefly reflected on GTF’s broader engagement in the district, noting that the Foundation has been working in Nensebo and Dodola through integrated interventions that support youth empowerment, education, livelihoods, environmental protection, and healthcare. He emphasized that the pharmacy is one of the key health interventions under the Dodola and Nansabo Integrated Community Development Program and reaffirmed that GTF’s approach is rooted in walking closely with communities and delivering practical solutions that improve everyday life for marginalized populations.
GTF Healthcare, Environment and WASH Program Manager, Mr. Teklu Hailu, provided an overview of the pharmacy and its expected contribution to community health. He explained that the Model Community Pharmacy was constructed to national standards to ensure safe, reliable, and dignified access to essential medicines for the people of the district. Mr. Teklu stated that the facility was fully financed by Gudina Tumsa Foundation with a total budget of 6,514,192.97 ETB and is expected to directly benefit 42,360 people. He noted that the pharmacy will significantly reduce the need for residents to travel long distances in search of medicines, help lower out of pocket health expenses, and strengthen local healthcare service delivery, particularly in this hard to reach area.
Head of Nensebo District Administration, Mr. Bariso Bamme, on his part, expressed strong appreciation for Gudina Tumsa Foundation, stating that the Model Community Pharmacy will play a significant role in improving healthcare service delivery for district residents. He praised the Foundation for constructing what he described as a uniquely high-quality facility and reaffirmed that GTF will remain recognized for its immense and meaningful contribution to the district’s development.
The Head of West Arsi Zone Health Office, Mr. Mohammed Gemedi, also commended the Foundation, explaining that the pharmacy directly responds to long-standing concerns raised by communities regarding lack of accessible and reliable medicine supply. He emphasized that, unlike many pharmacies across districts in West Arsi Zone that operate from rented and non-standard facilities, the Werka Model Community Pharmacy is purpose-built in compliance with national standards, representing an exemplary model for future healthcare infrastructure development in the zone.
Head of Nensebo District Health Office, Mr. Ahmed Hussen, reflected expressively on the previous challenges faced by residents, explaining that community members were forced to travel long distances to neighboring districts in search of essential medicines, often facing significant financial and physical hardships. He stated that Gudina Tumsa Foundation understood the suffering of the people and constructed the model pharmacy to relieve this burden. He further disclosed that GTF is also planning additional healthcare support initiatives in the district, including the installation of water supply systems and solar-powered electricity for health facilities, interventions that are expected to greatly strengthen healthcare service delivery across the district.
Mayor of Werka Town, Mr. Bediru Hassen, described the construction of the nationally standard Model Community Pharmacy as a crucial and historic relief for the community. He extended gratitude to Gudina Tumsa Foundation not only for establishing the pharmacy but also for its various development initiatives benefiting Werka Town and the surrounding district communities.
Senior Advisor to the Head of West Arsi Zone Administration, Mr. Mohammed Ushato, reaffirmed that Nensebo District remains among the most geographically challenging areas to access within the zone. He explained that shortage of pharmacies has long been a critical bottleneck affecting healthcare services across West Arsi, particularly in Nensebo. He acclaimed Gudina Tumsa Foundation for demonstrating genuine community stewardship and commitment to invest in infrastructure that directly reaches marginalized populations most in need of support.
Nestled within the Werka Town where agriculture and coffee production shape daily livelihoods, the Model Community Pharmacy stands as a symbol of dignity, accessibility, and hope. Constructed over six months through close collaboration between Gudina Tumsa Foundation, local government institutions, and community stakeholders, the facility replaces a previously rented substandard pharmacy that ceased operations following urban corridor development. The pharmacy is expected to provide sustainable access to essential medicines while strengthening the community healthcare system.
As expressions of gratitude and community celebrations filled Werka Town throughout the day, the newly inaugurated Model Community Pharmacy rose not merely as a healthcare building but as a fulfilled promise and living testimony to Gudina Tumsa Foundation’s enduring mission of serving marginalized communities through integrated and sustainable development initiatives.
