Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society Mourns Loss of Founder Wondu Bekele at 72
Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society (MWECS) has announced the death of its visionary founder and Chief Executive Officer, Wondemagegnehu “Wondu” Bekele Worku-Maryame, who passed away on October 4, 2026 (Meskerem 24, 2019 E.C.), at age 72 after receiving treatment for cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Funeral services are set for today, October 5, 2026 (Meskerem 25, 2019 E.C.), at 12:00 PM local time at the Bole Debre Mihret St. Michael Church in Addis Ababa.
Mathiwos, Mr. Wondu’s young son who tragically lost his life to cancer, served as the primary inspiration behind the foundation’s inception in 2004, prompting Mr. Wondu to leave a secure government post to dedicate his life fully to public health. Born on November 30, 1954 (Hidar 21, 1947 E.C.), in Burqa, a rural kebele in the Deder district of Hararghe province, to Bekele Worku-Maryame and Zenebech Worku-Maryame, Mr. Wondu turned profound personal tragedy into a lasting legacy of service.
Mathiwos’s legacy lived on through the charity, which over the past 22 years provided vital medical, financial, logistical, nutritional, and psychological assistance to more than 5,000 low-income cancer patients and their families. The organization established temporary housing facilities and transport networks to support rural patients traveling to Addis Ababa for specialized medical care.
Mathiwos’s namesake organization also spearheaded landmark public health legislation in Ethiopia, driving key national policy changes including strict anti-tobacco laws and comprehensive cancer prevention strategies. For these pioneering contributions, Mr. Wondu and the foundation earned nine major honors, including accolades from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society continues to stand as a pillar of hope across the nation, ensuring Mr. Wondu’s life work endures through the patients and families it serves. Mr. Wondu is survived by his family and remembered nationwide for his indelible contributions to Ethiopian healthcare and humanitarian service.
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