Humanitarian Aid in Ethiopia - Tigray Region
OUR WORK IN ETHIOPIA
In a country characterized by severe deprivation and poverty, Tigray stands out as one of the country's most desperate areas. More than 4.1 million people live in the region, 83% of whom live in rural areas. Economic problems have plagued the region including low agriculture productivity, recurrent drought, and a reduction of natural resources leading to soil erosion. More than half of the people are unable to satisfy their minimum basic needs requirement and less than half of the population has any access to health services. In the whole region, there are only 2 hospitals, one of which was built in 1928 and is now in abysmal condition.
Adwa Comprehensive Medical Clinic
Adwa is a woreda, or administrative district, where 97% of the local population lives in poverty. The consequences of this high poverty-level are devastating. One in sixteen women die due to pregnancy or child birth, and their orphaned children are 10 times more likely to die within two years than a child living with two parents. Access to curative and preventative health services for mothers and children are urgently needed in Adwa. There is currently one district hospital, which is so overcrowded that expectant mothers are often forced to deliver in the corridors. Other women facing complications during delivery are unable to traverse the poorly built roads in time to make it to the hospital and die in the arms of those carrying them.
The urgent need for a new medical facility was identified through collaboration with our Ethiopia country representative, Dr. Tsegaye, and governments from the regional and local levels. WHFC has committed to funding the construction of the clinic and the regional health bureau will equip and staff the facility. The local community will contribute 10% through free labor and materials. WHFC will also remain involved in ensuring future resources for optimizing ongoing operations. Approximately US$250,000 is needed urgently for the clinic's construction.
It is estimated that the clinic will increase access to healthcare by 70% to the region's more than 1 million inhabitants, thereby decreasing the number of maternal and child deaths.
Tsion Elementary School, Adwa
Poverty has resulted in astoundingly low education rates, with 63% of females and 54% of males ages six and older having no education. Less than 5% of people ages 25-29 years have completed secondary school. For a woman, education influences not only her ability to climb out of poverty, but also her knowledge of using health facilities and monitoring her children's health. Girls are the least likely to receive an education in Tigray, but are also the ones that would benefit the most from receiving an education.
The St. Mary of Tsion School currently serves 1,850 students in grades one through eight with a goal of extending classes through grade 12. WHFC previously funded the building of 8 classrooms in addition to the 22 classrooms built by the government and provided equipment and supplies. The government has identified the need for an additional 2 blocs, or eight classrooms, and a library to allow for additional enrollment and expand the opportunities for learning and growth for children attending the school.
The expansion of this school has been an incredible success for the community and WHFC.
These classrooms were visited by a staff member on a recent trip, and we are encouraged that enrollment will increase with the addition of the extra classroom space. Having been reassured about the project's success, we are now investigating opportunities to further expand, furnish and/or equip the school.