Today marks the official launch of a major new initiative promoted by Doctors with Africa CUAMM in the Shire Indasilasse district. The intervention aims to respond to the health needs of the population living in the war-torn region through the reconstruction of Shire hospital, referral facility for over 2 million people and 5 pertinent health centres that serve both internally displaced people (around 1 million) and host communities who are taking the strain of 80% of the IDPs.
Many are the components of the intervention that will bring about a substantial improvement in the healthcare system of the region.
Major reconstruction works will be undertaken at Shire hospital, particularly in the neonatal unit, where new entry points for patients admission will be set. In addition, both the electrical and plumbing systems will be resumed to guarantee access to water, as well as waste disposal after the severe damages caused by to the conflict.The project will also ensure the provision of equipment and supplies such as medical materials, medicines, laboratory reagents, and diagnostic tools (ultrasound machines, X-rays). An integral part of the intervention will also be the training of healthcare personnel.
A major initiative implemented in collaboration with VIS, local authorities and communities in the Tigray region, and facilitated by the support of the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development – AICS.
Alongside the important work of rehabilitation at the hospital, CUAMM will be committed to resuming and supporting emergency referral services from peripheral centers to the hospital, with a particular focus on obstetric emergencies; providing assistance, including psychological support at health centers and within displaced communities; and strengthening services for the identification, treatment, and follow-up of acute malnutrition in children and pregnant women.
This intervention, conducted in collaboration with local authorities and communities, also aims to provide support to women and adolescent girls who have suffered the most severe violence and atrocities with interventions ranging from nutritional services and childbirth assistance to the distribution of dignity kits to the provision of clinical services. The program also includes a component related to agriculture and food security, implemented by VIS, which will involve the distribution of food and awareness-raising on best practices to adopt.
The launch event held today in Shire Town counted with the participation of the acting President of Tigray region Getachew Reda, the Italian Ambassador Agostino Palese, the representative of AICS in Addis Ababa Isabella Lucaferri, the Director of the Tigray Regional Health Bureau Dr. Amanuel Haile, the Director of Suhul Hospital in Shire Dr. Gebremedhin Atakiltie and the Director General of CUAMM, father Dante Carraro, along with the CUAMM staff directly involved in the intervention
«It is either an honour and a responsibility for us as CUAMM to be here today to present this new intervention. I would like to stress three words: “when”, which mean today after years of conflict, we celebrate the willingness and commitment to rehabilitate the health system in the region; “where”: in Shire and in the surrounding area where over 2 million people and 500,000 IDPs are hosted. This is where we want to start the reconstruction by rehabilitating 2 hospitals and 4 health centres; to conclude, “together” because we are Dcotors with Africa and we believe that the goals set can only be achieved by working alongside local health authorities starting from the acting President of Tigray whose support and collaboration we truly appreciate» said father Dante Carraro Director General of Doctors with Africa CUAMM.
«The projects we are launching today prove our commitment to supporting the people of Tigray, especially the most vulnerable groups. Thanks to the dedication of extraordinary partners such as CUAMM and VIS, and with the committed support of local authorities, not only we aim to give concrete help but also build hope in a region that deserve peace, security and prosperity after years of suffering» said the Italian Ambassador Agostino Palese.
«Once again THE Italian Cooperation demonstrates its commitment to the most vulnerable groups through concrete actions such as infrastructural rehabilitation and staff training, all aimed at improving access to and the quality of care, fundamental rights of every person» added Isabella Lucaferri, Director of Aics Addis Ababa.
The event also gave the opportunity to present a specific intervention dedicated to strengthening neonatal care both at the Suhul General Hospital in Shire – Tigray region, and at the Black Lion Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa. In regard to this new commitment, a workshop is scheduled in Addis Ababa on September 3-4. On the occasion, Doctors with Africa CUAMM will be leading activities related to care, rehabilitation of NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units), supply of materials and equipment, and training at various levels, in partnership with UENPS (Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies) and EPS (Ethiopian Pediatric Association), with the support of AICS and the Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
THE CONTEXT
Almost two years after the Tigray peace deal, signed in November 2022, the situation remains dire. The conflict that erupted on November 4, 2020, between the Federal Democratic Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has had a devastating and brutal impact on the population, leading to a dramatic humanitarian crisis that remains critical. Estimates indicate a total of 600,000 deaths and approximately 1 million internally displaced people. About 20.1 million individuals need food assistance, and 17.4 million require access to basic healthcare services. A staggering 86% of healthcare facilities (736 out of 853) have been damaged or destroyed. The conflict has severely hindered people’s access to healthcare services, particularly affecting women and children. After 13 months of conflict, in the end of 2021, access to prenatal care had significantly reduced dropping sharply from 73% to 19%. Similarly, the percentage of births attended by qualified personnel plummeted from 81% to 21%. Lack of access to obstetric care also contributed to the increase of deaths during childbirth, with maternal mortality in 2022 recorded at 840 per 100,000 live births, approximately three times the national average in 2020. In addition, only half of the 19,324 healthcare workers registered before the conflict have resumed service to date.
Shire Indasilasse is one of the areas hardest hit by the conflict. Widespread looting and destruction have had severe impact on the delivery of basic services for the population in an area that has the highest number of internally displaced persons. 324,000 people out of the over 400,000 living in the area are currently displaced. The city hosts 18 reception centers, most of which are school buildings. The Northwest Tigray area, where Shire is located, has the highest percentage of destroyed healthcare facilities.
