Ethiopia Program Expanding to 11 New Districts of Sidama Zone

We are excited to announce that Grounds for Health is expanding our Ethiopia program to include health centers in 11 additional districts of Sidama Zone!*

Through a grant and partnership with Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health, Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon and CUAMM, expansion is already underway: at this very moment, we are training 28 new providers—including 27 women—from 14 health centers in each of the new districts. We selected these centers based on a strategic mapping exercise designed to show ideal locations to reach scale, improve service delivery, and ensure high-quality care.

Ashenafi (left) and Abiy

In-country coordinators Ashenafi Argata and Abiy Semunigus Dejene, with the support of clinical consultant Susan Hollinger, Grounds for Health Program Manager Kyle Engelman and two volunteers, Terri Woehrle and Suzanne Germain, are leading a classroom training from now through January 29.

Our staff and volunteers will then assist the group of newly trained providers as they put their knowledge to the test during two hands-on clinical trainings—in Aleta Wondo and Aruma—where we hope to screen at least 700 women / treat ~80. By mid-February these providers will be certified in delivering high-quality VIA screening and cryotherapy treatment services.

We are thrilled that in a matter of weeks, these talented individuals will be able to return to their communities with the skills and expertise to provide ongoing screening/treatment services.

* Grounds for Health currently has programs in Wonsho District.