Desta Mender

Rural Village for patients who cannot be completely cured

A small number of patients (about 3% of those treated) are so badly damaged in childbirth that they cannot be cured. These patients are fitted with an external bag for their urine. Continuing medical care is essential.

Yet despite this affliction, most of the patients are able, and want to do some light work.

In 2000, the Ethiopian Government gave the hospital a parcel of 21 hectares (60 acres) of rural land outside of Addis Ababa for them to build a "self-help" village for these patients.

A "Design Plan" for the overall development of the site was prepared by an Australian Architect, Mr Ridley Smith. An Ethiopian firm of Architects, Abba Associates from Addis Ababa, has supervised the construction.

The building development of the village has been completed. Patients are moving into occupation.

The village will initially provide accommodation for 100 women. There are ten self-contained cottages. Each cottage accommodates ten patients. A supervisor lives on-site and there is adequate staffing.

The residents of the Village are being taught skills in agriculture, farming and craft work.

A large dam to provide water for the gardens and livestock, has been built.

The total cost was in excess of $A2m. Rotary International made a grant of US$100,000 to commence the project and the balance of the funding for this project has been provided by gifts from Australia

View of village from the mountain. The Cooking Tukul is on the left, and the Meeting Tukul in centre. The Physio Unit, Teaching Centre and dam are to the right, off the picture.