Norfolk-based charity Hospice Ethiopia UK is thrilled to announce that The Band Aid Charitable Trust has generously pledged £5,000 to fund a five-day palliative care training course in Jijiga, located in the Somali region of Ethiopia. This region has not previously received any training in palliative care, making this initiative a groundbreaking step towards improving healthcare services in the area.
Hospice Ethiopia UK raises funds for Hospice Ethiopia, which is based in Adis Ababa. The hospice looks after hundreds of patients but also, just as importantly, is a centre for excellence in training medical professionals in Ethiopia. Until very recently there was no palliative care in the country.
The training course is scheduled to take place in October, run by Ephrem Abuthen, the director of Hospice Ethiopia, with the support of dedicated volunteers.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Band Aid Charitable Trust for their support,” said Sue Mumford, chair of Hospice Ethiopia UK. “This training will provide essential skills and knowledge to healthcare professionals in Jijiga, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for patients in need.”
The suspension of US Aid to Ethiopia has significantly impacted the region, causing widespread hardship and anxiety. Ethiopia, previously the largest recipient of US aid in sub-Saharan Africa, now faces challenges as many NGOs struggle to provide essential services such as food and medicine.
“This initiative represents a beacon of hope and is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing critical healthcare needs,” says Sue.
For more information on Hospice Ethiopia visit hospiceethiopia.org.uk.
More information:
Tim Morgan, The Publicity Works – tim@publicityworks.biz / 01263 761000 / 07947 280137
Sue Mumford, Hospice Ethiopia UK – info@hospiceethiopia.org.uk / 01263 768699
Notes:
Ethiopia has an estimated population of more than 120 million, but only one hospice. Many thousands of people there have incurable diseases. They are dying in distress, often in severe pain, with nowhere to turn and their only hope is Hospice Ethiopia. Hospice Ethiopia provides free drugs, so that the dying have relief from pain, and medical care to alleviate their worst symptoms. It gives support, so that patients can care for themselves and in many cases, their children. Even more important, Hospice Ethiopia is training doctors, nurses and other medics about palliative care – care for the dying – so that they can help the thousands more who need it, across Ethiopia and in other African countries.
Hospice Ethiopia has no government funding, relying wholly on donations. Hospice Ethiopia UK was set up to help raise the funds it needs – around £70,000 per year. 100% of the money raised in the UK goes directly to Hospice Ethiopia, so every penny makes a real difference.