Ethiopia

Focus on Orthopaedics – Since 2006, orthopaedic surgery, treatment and training, have been the cornerstone of our activities in Ethiopia.  Visiting volunteer Orthopaedic medical teams conduct clinical consultations, surgical procedures, with an emphasis on training for surgeons and staff. Training involves mentoring during operations, ward rounds, lectures and structured teaching programs.

Providing intensive training courses to orthopaedic surgeons and nurses is a sustainable way to advance skills and improve services to patients. Some examples of such training includes:

• Pre-Basic and Basic Orthopaedic Management Courses in trauma for first year residents in Addis Ababa in collaboration with AO Alliance (a Swiss NGO). These courses have a duration of 3 days each and involve peri-operative medicine lectures and participation in the delivery of the practical applications of orthopaedic surgical procedures.
• Infection Control Training with nursing staff at various hospitals in Ethiopia has proven invaluable in reducing post operative infection and improved outcomes for surgical patients. ADFA is looking to expand its nurse training programs across the country.

Infrastructure Development Program of ADFA in Ethiopia has improved access to well equipped orthopaedic theatres at the Black Lion Hospital, Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Hawassa University Hospital, Jugal Referral Hospital in Harar, and Dessie Referral Hospital. Delivery of sea containers of donated medical equipment and provision of orthopaedic surgical equipment completes the renovations to a high standard, and enables improved outcomes to patients.

The Australian Embassy in Ethiopia has provided support towards several projects through their Direct Aid Program.