More About Us
In October 2009, Network Ethiopia started our first project in Addis Ababa. Our project is currently serving more than 200 beneficiaries per month at LeAlem Higher Clinic. We anticipate serving more patients each month during the balance of 2010 and, starting next year, expanding our program to additional locations in the capital and rural areas of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s current government has made a strong commitment to improving the healthcare situation for its people. However, Ethiopia’s healthcare system is among the least developed in sub-Saharan Africa. [1]
In Ethiopia today, the infant mortality rate is high at 77 per 1,000, with maternal death rates also high at 720 per 100,000. Only 6 percent of childbirths take place with the assistance of any healthcare physician. Lack of access to pre- and post-natal as well as emergency care contributes to high rates of anemia during pregnancy, underweight births, and complications such as fistula. [2,3]
Established in 2008, Network Ethiopia (incorporated as Ethiopia Healthcare Network) is committed to improving the well-being of the Ethiopian people by addressing the needs of low income women and children. Our strategy involves identifying excellent small clinics in Ethiopia that need additional funding to expand their services to poor women and children.
Network Ethiopia is enabling clinics to hire physicians and medical staff, purchase basic equipment, and hire community health workers who can convince women to use pre-natal healthcare services.
Our first joint venture is with LeAlem Higher Clinic in Addis Ababa. With a grant, we have enabled LeAlem to hire a pediatrician, social work and support staff. This work is aimed at a poor constituency not currently served by the clinic, families subsisting of income of less than $300 US per year. As of March 2010, 95% of Network Ethiopia/LeAlem beneficiaries subsist on $100 US per year or less.
As Network Ethiopia’s efforts demonstrate effective healthcare delivery, we will increase support in proven segments and expand our program to include initiatives such as community outreach staff, rotation and training of U.S. and Ethiopian medical students, and partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Network Ethiopia’s long-term strategy envisions broad replication of clinical support and facilities development in underserved regions of Ethiopia.