Haramaya University named its Cancer Treatment Center in honor of Hon. Dr. Ali Birra, a renowned Ethiopian musician. Haramaya Univeristy has named the cancer treatment in memory of the veteran musician Ali Birra in a ceremony held on October 11, 2023 in Harar.
Dr. Jemal Yousuf, president of Haramaya University and Advisory Board of Ali Birra Foundation, said that the University named the cancer center after him in order to support the efforts of artist Ali Birra to support cancer patients while he was being treated in addition to his musical works.
In addition to this, the Harari Regional State’s President, Ordin Bedri, said that Ali Birra has done works that transcend generations through his musical works and that the cancer center should be commemorated as he preached love and unity in the past and the cancer center in honor of Ali Birra is worthy of his contribution to the country. Mr. Ordin added that the service of the cancer center will be up to standard and the Regional State will provide the necessary support.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Kedir Juhar, the Mayor of Dire Dawa City Administration, and Mrs. Lily Markos Birra, Founder/ Board Chair of Ali Birra Foundation and spouse of the late Ali Birra, and Dawit Yifru, the President of the Ethiopian Musicians Association. Hon. Dr. Artist Mohammed Ahmed (Qophee), Advisor to the President of Oromia Regional State and a long-time friend of Ali Birra, presented an article about the artist’s musical works, while colleagues from different countries and invited guests also graced the occasion.
The name of the center was inaugurated by Harari Regional State’s President, Mr. Ordin Bedri, Mr. Kedir Juhar, Mayor of Dire Dawa City Administration and Mrs. Lily Markos Birra, wife of Ali Birra, Dawit Yifru, President of Ethiopian Musicians Association,Dr. Jemal Yousuf, President of Haramaya University and Mr. Asad Fahmi, the Executive Director of Ali Birra Foundation.
