As I continue to learn about the 2 hospitals WHFC is building in Ethiopia, I am astounded by the facts. For instance, there are only 2 hospitals in the Sidama Region meant to serve 10 million people. Incredible. And here in the States, we have on average 32 beds per 1000 people. I think back to my days in residency in a 400 bed hospital that served our small community. In winter flu months, we were at capacity, struggling to meet the needs of all of our patients. That was at 32 beds per 1000. Now think 400 beds for 10 million people or 32 beds for 400,000 people in Sidama.
And because of the very long and difficult trip on foot or bicycle to even get someone to one of these hospitals, many die en route. Imagine what one more hospital and one ambulance will do to improve the odds. In fact, the Leku clinic and soon-to-be hospital, which WHFC is working with Ethiopians on the ground to build and staff, will increase access to medical care by 70% for people in the surrounding area, most notably mothers and children.
Speaking of people in the surrounding area, part of our extended family is now among those in the surrounding area who will benefit. My son’s birth family includes 2 boys, who will have free and unlimited access to the Leku Hospital as they are part of WHFC’s child sponsorship program. They have already completed 1 year of school and have more resources to help their family become independent. Adding quality, accessible free medical care is another essential piece that will help to empower them. My husband and I just learned this fact and now when my son asks me what I’m doing spending all this time at my computer, I tell him, we’re helping to build a hospital for our Ethiopian family. He smiles and says in 3 year old speech “E-tee-ope-ea Mama”!
