Arkwasyie Medical Support Project, Ethiopia

In the remote Simien mountains region areas such as Arkawasyie there are Amhar villagers who live far from any medical support. The plight of these people was first brought to the Charity's attention by Gane and Marshall trekkers who visited the region 3 times in the late nineties.

Those treks identified an urgent need for medical support for serious health issues such as tuberculosis, gut infections, aids, and trachoma (which can lead to blindness if not treated). Child births without midwifery can go wrong with tragic and appalling consequences. The nearest medical support for Arkawasyie is a two day walk away.

For various reasons the project did not develop until on 11 November 2006, 20 individuals from accountancy firm BDO Stoy Hayward left the UK and went to Ethiopia to start a 9 day trek across the Simien Mountains, having raised funds to start a medical outreach program.

They travelled with two Ethiopian health workers, a UK doctor and an Ethiopian doctor, to spend a day in the village providing what medical assistance they could. On their day in Arkawasyie people had been queuing early and the gathering grew over the course of the morning to approx 1,000 people who needed medical help.

During the day, they managed to treat over 400 people. There was clearly a great need. Many people suffering diseases which could be easily treated, such as trachoma. It was certainly an emotional day with every single one of them taking away someone's story which will stay with them for a very long time.

They also discussed the needs of the school with the teacher - she looks after 900 children with one blackboard and no chairs or tables.

They agreed that the health workers would return to the village in January 2007 taking more drugs, and monthly visits after this. They will be tending to the ill and providing much needed health education. AIDS is a major issue in Ethiopia and girls as young as 13 regularly have children and unfortunately often with complications. One such mother suffered birth trauma and died whilst having her baby boy shortly before the 2006 visit. We have agreed to buy milk powder for the child to ensure that he has a chance of survival.

Here is the link to the online album of pics from the last BDO Simiens expedition (Nov 06).

There are some really great images and the albums capture the purpose of the expedition.

A second BDO expedition to Arkwasyie went out in November 2007. They raised more funds and were able to see first hand the progress of the work being performed by the health workers. This group also made contact with the school at Lori (located in the area to which Arkwasyie villagers will bme moved) and already their funds ae giving vital support to the school in terms of books and equipment.

GOING FORWARD: we now have enough funds to station a medical nurse permanently at Arkwasyie and to build a small Health Post. The post will be built near Lori and will benefit people from three village communities. Building work should commence in February or March 2009.

In January 2009 two newly-qualified UK doctors Jess and Jessie will unertake the seven days trek to Arkwasyie accompanied by the Ethiopian Health Officers and they will work there for one to two weeks. These intrepid girls will bring back fresh reports for us about our projects at Lori and Arkwasyie.

Later next year members of the Andru Chapman group, some of the first trekkers to visit Arkwasyie and strong supporters of our project, hope to return to the village.

If you want to visit this remote, wild and beautiful place and get to know the hardy and generous Amhar people, then you must consider one of our Charity Challenge expeditions to the Simien mountains. Follow this link for our Adventure Challenge Brochure and raise funds for CPA at the same time as enjoying a trek to remote and wonderful Africa.
NB the link make take a minute or two to open the brochure.