« Rhythm of Hope » is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing cardiac rhythm disorders in emerging countries, with a focus on knowledge sharing and patient care in interventional electrophysiology.
After conducting four independent missions in collaboration with the Cardiac Center-Ethiopia and the St. Peter / St. Paul University Hospital in Addis Ababa, I decided to formalize this collaboration by creating an association under the French 1901 law, to structure the medical efforts.
I was joined by four experienced electrophysiologists, all committed to a humanitarian approach and the sharing of expertise:
Dr Clément Bars (Marseille, France)
Dr Soufia Naccache (Jossigny, France)
Dr Louisa O’Neill (Dublin, Ireland)
Dr Frédéric Treger (Angers, France)
With the precious help of
Lishan Halimi (Treasurer, Paris)
Bernard Rémy (Secretary, Versailles)
We aim to continue our work through new missions, primarily focused on cardiac pacing and the development of interventional electrophysiology, which involves treating cardiac rhythm disorders using catheters.
During my previous visits, I established the first electrophysiology lab in Addis Ababa and performed the country’s first catheter ablations.
Since then, several teams and international associations have reached out to us and, in turn, have been able to carry out these procedures locally.
However, for this initiative to become sustainable, it is essential to rely on continuous training and the transfer of skills to Ethiopian practitioners, who are highly skilled professionals.
The success of this project will only be possible through the generosity of the biomedical industry and the sponsorship actions that will be implemented.
Through « Rhythm of Hope – Ethiopia, » let us keep the rhythm of life beating and nurture hope for a better future.
Dr. Franck Halimi,
Founding President
(Paris, France)
La sixième mission « Rythme d’espoir » à Addis-Abeba s’est achevée avec succès. Au cours de cette campagne, 35 patients souffrant d’arythmies cardiaques graves ont été traités par implantation de stimulateur cardiaque ou ablation par cathéter.
J’adresse mes sincères remerciements à Giusy Sirico , Martina Nesti , Soufia Naccache et à tous les membres de RhythmofHope , à ma chère épouse Lishan Dubois Halimi et à nos collègues éthiopiens du Centre cardiaque d’Éthiopie et de l’hôpital Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul, ainsi qu’aux directeurs généraux des hôpitaux, aux responsables académiques et aux équipes paramédicales.
J’ai une vision : à l’aube de 2026, l’Éthiopie s’impose comme le pays leader en matière de soins des troubles du rythme cardiaque dans la Corne de l’Afrique.
Soyez assurés que Rhythm of Hope sera à vos côtés tout au long de ce parcours.
We are pleased to announce the upcoming RHYTHM OF HOPE mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This will be the sixth edition of our collective commitment to improving the management of cardiac rhythm disorders in the country.
This mission will focus on two main areas:
Cardiac pacing
and Interventional electrophysiology, which has been fully operational since it was launched by our team three years ago.
A special emphasis will also be placed on training and knowledge transfer with our Ethiopian colleagues, whose motivation and competence remain exemplary. Their eagerness to learn and dedication to improving patient care continue to inspire us all.
Our mission remains unchanged:
To enhance the management of cardiac rhythm disorders, particularly in Ethiopia, and to bring hope to those who need it most.
To support our work, you can make a donation to the association:
www.rhythm-of-hope.com
Dr. Franck Halimi (Founding President)
Dr. Soufia Naccache, Dr. Giusy Sirico, Dr. Martina Nesti, Ms. Lishan Halimi
and the members of the RHYTHM OF HOPE association
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Franck Halimi, a True Pioneer of Electrophysiology (EP) study and ablation in Ethiopia. Through six rounds of medical missions, his unwavering commitment has made a profound and lasting impact. Over this journey, more than 100 cardiac devices have been implanted, and 20+ patients with complex arrhythmias have received life-changing treatment directly under his care. Even more importantly, his work—including donation of devices, consumables, and mobilization of resources, has paved the way for other EP teams to follow, enabling treatment for many more patients over the past four years. This is not only service, but a Legacy.
The most recent mission, over the past three days, was particularly inspiring. Dr. Halimi was joined by outstanding Electrophysiology experts Giusy Sirico and Martina Nesti from Italy, and Soufia Naccache from France. Their technical excellence, dedication to patient care, and most notably their genuine enthusiasm for teaching and skill-sharing made this collaboration truly special. We are honored to have worked alongside them and to have learned from their experience.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the management of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College- SPHMMC and St. Peter’s Hospital for their continued support of these missions, and specifically to Lemi Belay Tolu, Academic and Medical Service Corporate Director of SPHMMC, for visiting the team, engaging closely with the mission, and demonstrating strong institutional commitment to advancing cardiac and Electrophysiology services.
On behalf of our patients and our entire team, we are deeply grateful.
Cheers to a bright future for Electrophysiology in Ethiopia, to meaningful collaborations, and to continued partnerships that place patients, learning, and sustainability at the center of progress.
Abdusamed Adem, MBBS, MSmc, FSCP Seifu Bacha Dr.Kefelegn Dejene, Mohammed Bedru,
Eliezer Haile Bekele, MD, Behailu Milky,
The Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia
AJ Hale The Global Cardiovascular Collaborative (GCC) Cardiovascular Education Foundation (CVEF)
