Humanitarian Aid in Ethiopia - Sidama Zone

Sidama lacks the infrastructure to support more than subsistence farming, which remains economically crippling for much of the population. This area also suffers greatly from the impact of HIV, which has left thousands of children orphaned. In the wake of the loss of nearly an entire generation of parents, children struggle to gain employment, money and food and are often left to be cared for by elders or siblings.

Leku Clinic, Shebedino

 

In response to an urgent request, WHFC funded a medical clinic focused on mother and child health in Shebedino, a region in Sidama of approximately 240,000 people. The aims of the project were to increase health coverage; decrease infant mortality; increase family planning services; and improve the overall quality of the care provided to this underserved population.

The project was completed in two phases: block and basic infrastructure, followed by funding for essential medical equipment and materials as well as staff training. Completion of the clinic is critical step in reducing maternal death, providing pre-natal and post-natal services and reducing infant and child mortality for the regional population. Additionally, all children enrolled in the Sidama sponsorship program receive free medical care at this clinic.

A member of our staff recently visited this clinic and was impressed by the vast improvements in medical care received by the population in Shebedino, particularly the women and children there. With the observed success of this project, we are now exploring opportunities to expand the clinic to serve a greater range of needs for the entire region.

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