Our History & Development
From a single-room mission post on the shores of Lake Awasa to a nationally recognised Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Specialty Centre — four decades of dedicated service.
F.M.M.'s in Bushulo Mission
At the request of Mons. Gasparini, Bishop of Awasa Vicariate, Sr. Alma Dufault, F.M.M. Superior General, together with Sr. Angela Hurley, Regional Superior, discerned between establishing a mission in Sheshamane or Bushulo — and ultimately chose Bushulo, just 7 km outside Awasa.
They took on the administration of the Bushulo Major Health Center of the Catholic Church, situated on the shore of Lake Awasa. It had already gained a reputation for surgical excellence under Fr. Tomasoni, a Comboni Missionary and renowned surgeon.
Sisters Arrive at Bushulo
On Tuesday, 16 June 1987, Sisters Isabel Arbide and Carmel Mary Durgachalam, together with Sr. Angela Hurley, arrived at the Bushulo compound — which at the time was in a state of great disrepair.
This marked the beginning of their mission to revitalise and administer the Bushulo Major Health Center, so it could continue serving the local community with dignity and care.
Slowly the Sisters won the people's confidence, accepting everyone regardless of tribe or religion. They re-established discipline, trained staff, and integrated curative services with mobile Mother and Child Health and vaccination programmes.
Earning the Community's Trust
A new approach — combining prevention and treatment — earned Bushulo a permanent place in the community. Mobile outreach teams reached villages that had never seen a nurse, while the facility itself was rebuilt, ward by ward.
Under Sr. Elizabeth's leadership the Safe Motherhood Programme began, decisively shifting Bushulo's focus to women and children. International doctors supported this growth, bringing specialist skills that were otherwise inaccessible for miles around.
Milestones in Our Journey
1979
Mission Health Post Founded
Dr. Gasperni establishes a small mission health post to serve remote rural communities around Lake Awasa.
FMM Sisters
FMM Administration Begins
Franciscan Missionaries of Mary take charge, rebuild the compound, and establish a new era of compassionate care.
2000s
Safe Motherhood Programme
Under Sr. Elizabeth, the centre pivots to maternal and child health, launching mobile outreach and antenatal care.
2021
New Facility Construction
Laying the foundation of the expanded, modern speciality centre — supported by Caritas Austria and international partners.
2022
MNCH Specialty Designation
Formally recognised as a Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Specialty Center — a milestone 35 years in the making.
Today
A Thriving Specialty Centre
200 staff, 45,000+ patients annually, zero maternal deaths in 5 years — Bushulo's mission grows stronger every year.
Be Part of Our Next Chapter
Every donation, partnership, and volunteer hour helps us reach more mothers and children across Southern Ethiopia. Join us in continuing this 40-year mission.