Trip Report: Ethiopia

Grounds for Health Ethiopia

Over three weeks in late September/early October, Grounds for Health was in Ethiopia to launch our campaign in the Wonsho District of Sidama Zone, SNNPR. This work represents the first cervical cancer prevention program to establish services in rural health centers of Ethiopia’s coffee-growing regions.

The team led a two-day community health promoter training to begin the process of engagement and recruitment of women for screening. This was followed by a two-day classroom training with local doctors and nurses and a four-day clinical training through a screen and treat campaign. The passion and expertise of in-country coordinator Ashenafi Argata and community coordinator Abiy Semunigus, together with the support of Grounds for Health Clinical Consultant Susan Hollinger and Amy Borgman, physician assistant and clinical volunteer, were indispensible in making the trip a success.

By the numbers:

2-day community health promoter training

22 trainees achieved competency

2-day clinical classroom training

4-day screen-and-treat campaign

318 women screened

39 VIA-Positive

36 Treated the same day; others will receive follow-up care

12 health professionals now practicing screen-and-treat

Highlights

Official Program Launch

The Grounds for Health program was officially launched at the community room of Fero Farmers Cooperative Union. Stakeholders from all partners attended and spoke at the launch meeting: Yirgalem hospital manager, community leaders from all five kabelas (communities) of Fero co-op in Wonsho District, Wonsho district health head and vice head, a Sidama coop representative, women leaders of the communities, and Ferro co-op.

Local stakeholders at the official program launch meeting.

Productive Community Health Promoter Training

Twenty-two participants (fifteen women and seven men) attended a two-day training for educating the community on cervical cancer as well as recruiting women to be screened during the campaign. All trainees were new participants and achieved competency.

Attendees ask questions during the Community Health Promoter Training.

Effective Clinical Training

Five certified nurses, three midwives, two health officers, and representatives of the district health office and zonal health department achieved competency in VIA and five achieved competency in cryotherapy. This establishes a cohort of 12 health officers, nurses and midwives practicing VIA and cryotherapy in Wonsho District.

Local healthcare providers learning VIA and Cryo.

Successful Screening & Treatment Campaign

In total, 318 women received screening using VIA, with 39 (12.3%) being found to be VIA positive. Thirty-six met the criteria for same-day treatment and were treated with cryotherapy. Those who did not meet the criteria elected to return another day for cryotherapy. The Grounds for Health team will follow up with all these women.