130 likes | 159 Views
This article explores the collaboration between the Surgical Society of Ethiopia (SSE) and Jhpiego Ethiopia in their efforts to provide medical circumcision services in Gambella. It discusses achievements, challenges, and the way forward for scaling up the program.
E N D
Working with professional societies: The Ethiopian Experience Abebe Bekele, MD, FCS Consultant Surgeon: Addis Ababa university Secretary General, Surgical Society of Ethiopia
Introduction: Why Gambella? Source: DHS, 2005,CSA Ethiopia and ORC Macro 2 MC report: Arusha
Introduction: Why Gambella Source: DHS 2005, CSA Ethiopia and ORC Macro
Gambella MC report: Arusha
SSE and MC activities • Evolved from discussion between two friends - 2006 (from SSE and Jhpiego Ethiopia). • SSE came on-board: October 2007, after SA conducted in Gambella and three delivery sites selected. • Series of discussions: Resulted in an excellent relationship • Currently, one surgeon from SSE consults for Jhpiego Ethiopia. MC report: Arusha
Achievements (SSE and Jhpiego) • National MC program launched during the SSE 13th AGM: January 2008 • The three MC sites equipped with full MC utilities: Ongoing • Two consultative meetings conducted: Gambella and SNNP • MC training tools adopted and used. MC report: Arusha
Achievements (SSE and Jhpiego) • MC teaching video about to be completed • Huge billboards, brochures, fliers and patient information produced. • Recording and reporting formats developed • Country guideline developed: Under revision • SSE sits at the national TWG MC report: Arusha
Achievements : Campaigns • Three already conducted, beginning October 2009 • 1776 circumcised • SSE recruits qualified surgeons, dispatches to Gambella • MC campaigns linked to General Surgery out-reach programs • Six campaigns planned as of July 5th. • Campaigns are currently independent: SSE Sub-grant MC report: Arusha
Achievements: Trainings • Training package endorsed and adopted by the SSE. • Center of excellence at the Black Lion Hospital • Surgical Skills lab and theatre available. • Two trainings conducted: 30 Non-doctors and 5 MDs trained (task shifting) • 102 and 256 circumcised • Local surgeons (members) as trainers. MC report: Arusha
SSE ‘metastasis’ • SSE approached by Jhpiego office. • Three volunteer surgeons dispatched to Swaziland. • Willing to assist upon request MC report: Arusha
Program Challenges • Extreme weather condition: as high as 40 degrees • Interrupted electricity, very bad roads • Limited fund • Distance: Service sites far from the real needy population • Inability to provide MC services on regular basis • High turnover of trained staffs MC report: Arusha
The way Forward • Potential to scale-up the MC program: • More sites in Gambella • SNNPR in the next site • NDFE: SA to be done • Mobile MC centers (can we copy mobile VCT centers?) • SSE administered dedicated MC centers • Bring other societies on board: Nurses…… MC report: Arusha
Thank You Very Much!! Abebe B.