Medical relief operation in rural northern Ethiopia: addressing an ongoing disaster
Kasis, I.; Lak, L.; Adler, J.; Choni, R.; Shazberg, G.; Fekede, T.D.; Shoshani, E.; Miller, D.; Heyman, S.
Israel Medical Association Journal Imaj 3(10): 772-777
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1565-1088 PMID: 11692556 Document Number: 243337
Background: Following the recent drought in Ethiopia, the Jewish Agency, aided by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, launched a medical relief mission to a rural district in Ethiopia in May-August 2000. Objectives: To present the current medical needs and deficiencies in this representative region of Central Africa, to describe the mission's mode of operation, and to propose alternative operative modes. Methods: We critically evaluated the current local needs and existing medical system, retrospectively analysed the mission's work and the patients' characteristics, and summarized a panel discussion of all participants and organizers regarding potential alternative operative modes. Results: An ongoing medical disaster exists in Ethiopia, resulting from the burden of morbidity, an inadequate health budget, and insufficient medical personnel, facilities and supplies. The mission operated a mobile outreach clinic for 3 months, providing primary care to 2500 patients at an estimated cost of $48 per patient. Frequent clinical diagnoses included gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, skin and ocular diseases (particularly trachoma), sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, tuberculosis, intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition and malaria. Conclusions: This type of operation is feasible but its overall impact is marginal and temporary. Potential alternative models of providing medical support under such circumstances are outlined.