Southern Ethiopia - Gwent Health Link

The link started following a request from Dr Aberra A Gobezie, a local surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery in Dilla. He wanted help with filling the gaps in skills training for the health officer students in the new Dilla College of Health Sciences in Dilla.

The college lacked training resources in all areas. The trainers lacked experience and confidence in teaching emergency and essential skills. Learning only the theoretical aspect of managing emergencies is not enough for a health officer student, who on graduating would be responsible on his/her own in managing all types of emergencies for over 100,000 people in poorly resourced and remote health centres.

Following a visit from Nevill Hall hospital and discussions with Dr Aberra, a programme of Emergency skills workshop was started from 2000 for the health officer students in their final year. In these skills workshop held twice a year for period of up to two weeks each, students were trained practical skills in essential and emergency skills in obstetrics, trauma, resuscitation, surgery, paediatrics and emergency medicine. Specialists from UK travelled as faculty members and worked together with the local specialists in running these workshops.

Training materials including mannequins, teaching equipment and instruments were donated by the link to the college. The link also supported training of local specialists through short visits to Wales. Between 2000 and 2005 over 300 student health officers have been trained in these workshops prior to their graduation.

Following donations from the link, the college of health sciences now has a skills laboratory where students can learn practical skills under the supervision of the local trainers.