Etiopia
The healthcare system in Ethiopia, particularly in the South-West Shoa region, requires urgent support to meet the needs of its patients. We are working to modernize medical care by renovating essential healthcare facilities and providing advanced medical equipment. Additionally, we are implementing intensive training programs for medical staff to improve care for newborns and pregnant women. Our top priority is ensuring high-quality medical services for newborns and malnourished children under five.
What is the situation?
Ethiopia’s healthcare system faces multiple challenges, including limited access to medical services and a shortage of trained personnel. In South-West Shoa, there is only one doctor for every 50,000 people and one nurse for every 5,000.
In 2020, over 80% of newborn deaths were caused by treatable conditions, such as infections, pneumonia, and malnutrition. St. Luke’s Hospital lacks ambulances, modern equipment, and trained specialists. Malnutrition among newborns and children under five remains a major concern, with poverty and food insecurity leading to low birth weight and stunted growth. Limited access to food, clean water, and proper sanitation further worsens health conditions for families in the region.
Our aid in Ethiopia
We are working to strengthen St. Luke’s Hospital and local communities by improving healthcare quality and reducing mortality rates in the region.
- Upgrading Medical Infrastructure: We renovate key hospital departments to ensure newborns and children receive proper care. We have restored intensive care units and therapeutic feeding centers to full operation.
- Training Healthcare Personnel: We provide intensive training for hospital staff, focusing on neonatal care and malnutrition treatment. This enhances their skills and improves treatment outcomes.
- Supplying Modern Medical Equipment and Medicines: We deliver essential medical devices and medications to monitor and treat patients effectively, enabling healthcare workers to respond better to the needs of newborns and pregnant women.
- Supporting Families: During child hospitalizations, we offer assistance and care for their caregivers.
Our efforts have already made a difference—over 400 newborns and 100 severely malnourished children have received life-saving treatment. With ongoing investments in equipment and training, St. Luke’s Hospital continues to improve its services, ensuring better healthcare for those in need.
In 2024:
400
newborns in life-threatening conditions received the necessary medical care
184
people participated in educational sessions
124
trained healthcare workers
2024-2026 / Ethiopia
Safe Motherhood – Support for Maternal and Neonatal Care in Ethiopia
The project focuses on improving healthcare in the South-West-Shoa region of Ethiopia, home to 1.1 million people. St. Luke’s Hospital in Wolisso, the regional capital, serves as the main referral center. The initiative aims to modernize medical infrastructure, provide training for healthcare staff, and promote community-based health insurance to enhance access to free healthcare services for residents of the region.
Duration:
1.06.2024-31.12.2026
Location:
South-West-Shoa, Etiopia
Funding:
Polish Aid MFA
Partner:
Doctors with Africa CUAMM
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