In 2007 we began to search for a hospital where we could do long term work. We attended the World Medical Mission Conference in Louisville, KY and learned about PACS, the Pan African Christian College of Surgeon’s residency programs that were starting up all over Africa. These residencies train Chrisian African doctors in surgery with the anticipation that they will remain in Africa.
Mark has been a resident trainer for the past 24 years and understands the importance of duplication. We know that one person can only accomplish so much, but by teaching others to do your work you can duplicate yourself over and over. Soddo Christian Hospital in Soddo, Ethiopia had a residency program and we decided to take a look.
Ethiopia is an emerging democracy, moving energetically forward after years in a crushing and cruel dictatorship. English is now the second language and is required in all secondary schools. This could potentially open up doors for Allison to teach English as a second language.
Even though the court moves forward, maternal health care lags too far behind. According to the World Health Organization, only 6% of all Ethiopian women have a trained health care worker with them during birth. We want to improve that!
ETHIOPIA KEY FACTS
- Approximately 85 million people
- 15th most populated country in the world
- 9th highest birth rate in the world
- 94% of pregnant women have no trained health care
- Life expectancy of approximately 50 years
- Gross National Income Average: $630 per year
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