Ethiopia

Our Ethiopian programs operate in one of the very poorest sections of the world. Most of our clients have never worn shoes, and many are malnourished. Tuberculosis, severe childhood malnutrition and complications during delivery of a baby are among the many life-threatening health issues we see on a regular basis.

The Chiri Health Center treats 100-140 people each day, from machete wounds to meningitis.  We serve a population of about 140,000.  We have very active tuberculosis, AIDS and anti-rabies treatment programs. We provide prenatal and postnatal care.    Our 14-bed hospital is usually full of severely malnourished babies and people with life-threatening illness.  1 in 10 women will die in childbirth in this area, so we assist with difficult deliveries, and transport patients who need emergency surgeries.

Public Health and Education teams take immunizations and health education to 10 villages.  Half of these villages are a 3 hour grueling hike through steep mountains- each way!   We have also contributed to the construction of latrines to reduce sanitation-related illnesses.  We have recently begun teaching the families of our severely malnourished patients how to grow and cook good nutritious foods.  A group of volunteer women representatives are taking this and other health teaching to their remote villages.

The Chiri Children’s Home provides for every need of our 13 orphans.

Our Reaching Children At Risk (RCAR) orphan care program in Chiri provides food, clothing, school supplies, tutoring and medical care to 20 orphans who live with guardians in town.