Ethiopians are mourning a humanitarian icon fondly known as "Africa’s Mother Teressa", Abebech Gobena.

She founded one of the first orphanages in Ethiopia.

Abebech, 85, was being treated for Covid-19 at a hospital in the capital Addis Ababa since the beginning of June.

She was known by a term of affection "Edaye" by the many children she raised, as well as the community.

Abebech once said in a CNN interview that she was given an ultimatum by her husband and chose her humanitarian work over her marriage.

The organisation she founded, Agohelma, helps not only orphans but also many others through various programmes.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described Abebech as "Ethiopia’s icon of compassion".

World Health Organization head Tedros Ghebreyesus, who is from Ethiopia, tweeted:

Heartbroken at the passing of Dr. Abebech Gobena - the Mother Teresa of #Africa. It was such a privilege knowing & working with her to improve children’s health & fight HIV/AIDS. She was truly amazing & very kind hearted. Her passing is a great loss. We must not forget her legacy https://t.co/Dlpo66Hy2U pic.twitter.com/hisi8i8klF

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) July 4, 2021

Journalist Tsedale Lemma said: "Abebech Gobena (Eddaye) is survived by the thousands of Ethiopian children she raised & cared for as a mother."

Although she did not have biological children of her own, Abebech raised thousands of children.

For her kindness she received many awards in the country and abroad, including an honorary doctorate from Jimma University in Ethiopia.

She will always be remembered for her selfless acts and as a role model for generations to come.