LeAlem Progress Report, December 2009

In the third month of Ethiopia Healthcare Network (EHN) grant performance, December 2009, LeAlem exceeded benchmarks, providing healthcare for 168 economically disadvantaged children and women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. LeAlem strengthened networks and partnerships with churches, mosques, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and others to recruit beneficiaries and best address needy people. LeAlem Medical Director Alemayheu Dinku Gebrehiwot reports: "All the systems of healthcare service delivery are functioning well and have been strengthened. The binocular microscope [funded by EHN] to enhance the healthcare service by performing different laboratory procedures was purchased."

Patients treated ranged in age from eight months to 80 years; 87.5% were women and 36% children or youth under 20 years of age. 99% of treated patients had income under $100 US per year; two patients (1%) had income between $100-$200 per year. Patient outcome level is based on the diagnosis and treatment given. During December, 29% of the patients were relieved from their pain, 24% were cured, 7% of the patients’ health status is improving, and 6% of the patients’ health status is improved. 3% of the patients are under follow-up, and 14% of the patients are under treatment. In addition, 15% of the patients were referred to hospital for services which are not available in LeAlem Higher Clinic.



Presenting symptoms included: Cough, night sweating, and loss of appetite; burning pain over the legs; dysuria, fever, chills, and back pain; undeveloped language skill; trauma to the right hand 5th finger and abdominal pain; irregular menses; flank pain and epigastric pain; joint pain and amenorrhoea; vomiting, ear pain, and eye pain; joint pain and on ART (anti-retroviral therapy); uterine prolapse; swelling over right foot; itching of the eyes and dysuria; poor vision and swelling over anterior neck; poor appetite and had hepatitis; general weakness and abdominal discomfort; epigastric pain and heart burn; abdominal pain and loss of appetite; fever, weight loss, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting; poor appetite, fever, yellowish eyes, and joint pain; decreased appetite, red urine, fever, and headache; cough, chest pain, fever, decreased appetite, dysuria, and flank pain; leg deformity; poor feeding; poor appetite and weight loss; fever, joint pain, headache, and sore-throat; supra pubic pain and itching over legs; tension, sleeplessness, and weight loss; pain over breast; backache and vaginal bleeding; flank pain, dysuria, and rashes over the loin; pin over operation site with discharge; scalp lesion, skin rashes, and abdominal pain; delayed development; poor vision after cataract operation; poor vision, headache, and scalp lesion; fever, cough, and weight loss; tension, headache, malaise, and sound in the head; diarrhea, vomiting, and grunting; back ache, pain over thighs, and vaginal discharge; vaginal bleeding; ear pain and discharge; pain over leg, headache, backache, and dysuria; joint pain, sweating, and hot flashes; swelling over jaw, epigastric pain and heart burn; cough, chest pain, and flank pain; fever, joint pain, and on ART; chest pain, epigastric pain, and completed anti-TB drugs; backache and trauma; tongue lesion and on ART; double vision and excessive sweating; eye discharge and itching of eyes; unable to walk; chest pain and scar over it; epigastric pain and decreased appetite; eye pain with redness and discharge; pain over leg, palpitation, and dysuria; back pain, flank pain, and swelling over vulva; trauma to the face; failure to thrive and skin rashes; headache, fever, and cough; unable to conceive; polyuria and polydypsia; pain over eyes and poor vision; and accidental falling.

As to lessons learned, LeAlem reports: "We have learnt that the provision of the healthcare service with your kind support has enabled patients to continue their bread winning activities and schooling in the case of students; we have continued enjoying the soul satisfying endeavour; and we have also learnt that the beneficiaries are thankful as usual for the healthcare service they got. The team work as we do it regularly enabled for coordinated effort and synergistic effect."

For further information on EHN and LeAlem, visit our web site http://ethiopiahealth.org or email info@ethiopiahealth.org.

LeAlem Progress Report, November 2009

This is an extract of LeAlem Higher Clinic's November 2009 progress report, furnished under terms of an Ethiopia Healthcare Network (EHN) maternal and child care program grant. Located Addis Ababa, LeAlem is headed by Dr. Alemayehu (Dinku) Gebrehiwot, a specialist in pediatrics, obstetrics and emergency medicine

In summary, during the second month of operation, LeAlem exceeded numerical benchmarks set by the grant, caring for 103 patients. Ninety-two percent (92%) of the patients had annual income below $100 US per year; the balance of patients had annual income of $100-200 per year. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of post-school age patients were female.

Without EHN support, all patients would not have had access to professional healthcare. Patient outcomes were largely positive, alleviating suffering, treating disease, and supporting improved pre-natal and infant health.

Patients were treated for a diverse range of diagnoses, including pneumonia, head injury, reproductive complications, pregnancy, diarrhea/intestinal disorder, gangrene, hemiparesis, urinary tract infection, seizure, candidiasis, asthma, metastatic cancer, adverse reaction to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and Parkinson's disease.



Ethiopia Healthcare Network (EHN) appears to have effected a highly successful launch of the LeAlem program. A more extensive quarterly report will be provided in January 2010. Additional assessment and case study data will be developed during an upcoming site visit.

Based in Washington, DC, EHN seeks further support and volunteers to enable measured growth in healthcare programs. Volunteer needs include fundraising, administrative, multimedia development and research support. For information, please see the EHN web site or email info@ethiopiahealth.org.

Secure, online donations may be made at this link. EHN is a 501(c)3 charitable organization; donations are tax deductible. Thank you.