LOCATION: Kebri Dehar, Somali region

SITUATION:

The Somali region in the south-east of Ethiopia is one of the least developed areas in the country. Access to healthcare is particularly difficult in this region, and the internal conflict which is ongoing in the area isolates the population, making inhabitants even more vulnerable. In addition, the region is regularly affected by epidemics.

SOLUTION:

Doctors of the World is strengthening the availability and quality of secondary healthcare provided by the Kebri Dehar hospital. Training and equipment are provided to support antenatal care within the hospital maternity unit and to support the surgical and blood transfusion services. DOW is also supporting the management of data collection and the organisation of a central pharmacy. In outlying areas, which we were allowed to return to in April 2010, DOW supports six health posts where training has been provided to community health workers and traditional birth attendants.

BENEFICIARIES: 24,000

RESULTS:

Every month, an average of 130 antenatal consultations are carried out in Kebri Dehar hospital.

OUTLOOK:

LONG TERM

In 2011, DOW will gradually withdraw from the hospital and to transfer activities to the national staff. The support for the health posts in the outlying areas in Kebri Dehar will continue. Finally, DOW plans to carry out needs assessments in other regions of the country.