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UW, Ethiopia ally on health care
Two universities announce twinning project to improve people’s lives with HIV, AIDS
MEGAN McCORMICK/Herald photo
Milliard Derbew, dean at Addis Ababa University, lauds the university’s cooperation with UW.
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Also by Amy Bahr:
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The University of Wisconsin and Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia publicly launched their twinning project Wednesday, partnering to cooperatively confront the emergency medical services crisis in Ethiopia.
The partnership is facilitated by the Twinning Center, an organization that helps create relationships between institutions, and aims to improve the lives of people with HIV and AIDS.
According to Girma Tefera, associate professor of the UW department of surgery, the project is training four physicians and four nurse leaders this year to become the first emergency medicine faculty at Black Lion Hospital in Ethiopia, which works closely with Addis Ababa University.
“It’s a unique opportunity for the University of Wisconsin,” Tefera said.
He added the partnership is also working with People to People, an organization made of mostly health professionals and founded out of Ethiopia.
Donna Katen-Bahensky, president and CEO of the UW Hospital and Clinics, said the university has made a donation of $10,000 to the project.
According to Milliard Derbew, dean and medical faculty member at Addis Ababa University, the medical faculty at Addis Ababa was established in 1964 and now has 1,670 students enrolled in medical programs.
He said the university houses one of only eight medical programs in Ethiopia and it has recently increased its intake of medical students to meet the country’s growing needs.
“In Black Lion, we see 1,400 to 1,500 people a day. We’re trying our best with the limited resources we have.” Derbew said.
He went on to say the mission of the school’s research is not to establish scientific fulfillment, but rather wellness of the country.
Ethiopia has a projected population of 80 million, according to Derbew, and 84 percent of people live in rural areas. He said the country has a poor overall health status, with the life expectancy standing at 54 years.
He added young people make up almost half of the population, with 44 percent of people being under the age of 15.
Derbew’s proposed solution to the health crisis is to partner with universities like UW, as there are benefits for both sides.
He said the development of medicine is dependent on knowledge and one way to get knowledge is to work with others. For this reason, Addis Ababa University is currently working to establish partnerships with many universities.
He added he thinks the relationship with the UW will last a long time.
“The world is becoming very small,” Derbew said. “Whatever happens in Africa or Asia or anywhere will be a problem for the world.”
A daunting task lies ahead, but university leaders are willing to give it the best shot they can considering the drastic changes that are needed, Tefera said, adding he thinks they are off to a great start.
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IP hash: 788508ec
Milli that is a wonderful idea and work. proud of you i wish i can help. For sure other prof. live in united staes help u for this wonderful idea. good luck milli
IP hash: 588b6811
I’m so proud of you dad..and i would like to thank UW for lending out a hand to my country and people..knowing you care means alot!!
IP hash: b60d53bc
I am so proud of you Mili, I am lucky to have you. Love you!!!
IP hash: 64ec8f50
hi milli,
I am proud of you. keep on your good work. Batchu
IP hash: f5f07b8d
Dear Dr. Milliar
You people are few and you have to be everywhere and do whatever that helps your people. Good Job. If need be I am at your fingertip.
AAu
IP hash: 89a48302
All involved, keep up the good work!!
IP hash: 60ccfb88
What a great job. but this must not be only in Addis. it must come to the regions where there is lot of suffering like gondar university specialized hospital which is the only for the northern part of the country. if you think of gondar contact me. Great JOB
Healthy people in healthy environment for future of ethiopia Bini, University of Gondar
IP hash: 4d4633f7
Millu, so proud of you, keep it up and thanks for everything while I was in Addis. say hi to the family for me.
Kassu/ Wongel/ Nathan/ Dag
IP hash: e55ac881
Dr,Miliard Really I’m proud of You .You are one the best Ethiopian.You are struggling to have tangable change in Medical faculity.your effort is visible and its exampllary.Others should learn more from You.always positive thinking has grate power to achive the pre planned objectives.I’m sure that by your effort like the above project ,Anesthesia will Born as new and improve in this country. Eyayalem From School Of anesthesia