These two 100 terminals student computer pilot e-learning labs implements open-source solutions (Linux, Moodle, MySQL) in a distributed, server-centric, thin client environment which uses both new desktop hardware, and recycled PC’s, thus reducing or eliminating obsolescence and complexity on the desktop, while providing a unique digital identity to every student and staff member who participate. Each individual is given a smartcard for system access.The goal of this integrated project is to offer a complete, hyperscalable, Digital Campus Infrastructure design, implementation, training and supporting elements solutions to Mekelle University.

A MU elearning server, using Moodle (http://www.mu.edu.et/elearning/) is currently available off campus extending the possibilities of online and blended learning to more professors and students at MU. Moodle, one of the most popular open source virtual learning environments (VLE), is used by thousands of schools, colleges and universities around the world. The current Moodle server has bee running for the last months, hosting courses for the Computer Science department. The Digital Campus project is widen this out to be used by the Engineering and Health Sciences Colleges.

The operating system for the Moodle server has already been changed from Windows to Ubuntu and the physical seer has been moved to the main University data centre where the power supply is more regular and a backup generator is available during power shortages.

By showing the current students that open source software is just as usable and functional as their proprietary counterparts, if not more so, the Digital Campus team hopes these future teachers will use open source tools when they come to develop online activities for their own courses

An on-going research programme is being developed under the collaboration between Univerisdad Alcalá,  Mekelle University and the Tigray Regional Health Bureau. Preliminary results were presented at the  annual WONCA meeting in Geneva (Switzerland) in September by Dr.Ignaci Lopez.

Since the end of the last century, the infection by intestinal parasites (IP) among children has been identified as one of the possible factors involved in the malnutrition of children in developing countries. At the same time, it is controversial whether the administration of antiparasitic drugs in this population are systematically improving the nutritional status of children in that context

Our objective has been to check the feasibility of a trial on the prevalence of infestation by intestinal parasites in children in an urban area of Tigray region in Ethiopia and its relationship to the nutritional status of that population as a first step to improve a existing programme of prevention of IP in this population.

A Phase I cross-sectional study in collaboration with the regional office of health Wukro was run  to determine prevalence of intestinal infestation in a sample of children attending one primary health centers at Wukro.

MU has recently approved its Institutional e-learning strategy under the digital-campus program deployment. The new UM e-learning strategy aims to embed e-Learning as a key element of the teaching and learning culture of the Mekelle University, enhance the student learning experience and to provide a richly interactive and stimulating environment to students, teachers and university staff.

The following objectives will be pursued:

• Implementing a Learning Platform  for all departments: this provides a single point of access for both staff and students to a wide range of on-line tools and applications
• Enabling academic staff to take the lead in embedding e-learning in the teaching, learning and assessment.
• Putting in place appropriate and sustainable infrastructure and support both centrally and within faculties and departments.
• Providing high quality, appropriate e-Learning tools and resources.
• Ensuring e-learning is accessible to all students whatever their individual situation is.
• Facilitating flexible and distributed learning.
• Supporting generic research with e-tools as well as developing research into e-learning.
• Encouraging national and international co-operation in e-learning.
• Assuring the quality of e-learning provision and its impact on students’ teaching, learning and assessment experience.