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DECEMBER 2006 NEWSLETTER
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From the CEO - Mark Bennett

More patients arriving
We continue to have increasing numbers of patients arriving for surgery. This is possibly due to the higher profile of the Hospital and greater communication within the country. One of the Ethiopian radio stations has been used to create awareness of both the causes and means to obtain medical assistance.

The hospital at Addis Ababa was full throughout the wet season (which is usually the slack time) and extra patients have had to go to Desta Menda until a bed became available. During this time the patients were able to be prepared and were able to have lessons in literacy and handicrafts.

The Yirgalem Centre
Our centre at Yirgalem was opened in November and had already been used for a number of operations prior to that.

Because the local people do not know that the Centre is functioning existing community organisations are locating patients and bringing them to the hospital for treatment.

This centre was built with the assistance of the Norwegian Lutheran Mission and the Norwegian Government agency NORAD. We are also investigating the possibility of a Norwegian Doctor working at the centre in 2007. Our Partner Organisation in England has agreed to provide the funding needed to cover the running costs of this centre.

The Harer and Metu Hamlin Fistula Centres
Our planned centre at Harar will be built with funds from our USA partners, and is planned to commence construction work in February 2007.

The construction of our fifth centre will be at Metu, west of Addis Ababa, and is planned to commence late 2007.

Annette, the children and I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and happy New Year.

Mark Bennett