Afrigather In Bahirdar, a city on the sting of the gorgeous Lake Tana, Dr Addisalem Yilma Tefera stands as a pillar of dedication. Because the WHO Bahirdar Hub Coordinator, she has taken on the immense accountability of coordinating WHO supported well being actions within the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz areas, a task that’s essential within the face of a number of public well being emergencies.
Amhara area is at present besieged by a number of public well being emergencies, together with cholera, malaria, and different vaccine-preventable illnesses, compounded by ongoing battle. The challenges are immense, with broken or looted amenities, a big scarcity of well being employees, and medical provides. Dr. Addisalem’s function entails strategically guiding the response to those crises. Collectively along with her crew, she works tirelessly to help the native well being system, focusing primarily on areas most susceptible to outbreaks, such because the Holy Water website, refugee camps, and Inside Displaced Individuals (IDP) settlements.
“Throughout occasions of disaster, the well being system is commonly stretched to its limits. Services could also be broken or looted, well being employees are in brief provide, and there are sometimes vital shortages of medical provides,” Dr. Addisalem explains. “By anticipating these challenges and planning for potential public well being emergencies, we work to cut back the challenges on our individuals.”
WHO in its function to help authorities effort has strongly emphasised speedy response, assigning surge groups to important areas and intently monitoring the state of affairs on the bottom. This permits early detection of illness outbreaks and intervention.
Dr. Addisalem’s journey isn’t with out its challenges. One notably making an attempt second got here in August 2023, only a month into her tenure, when a disaster within the area led to a disruption in web companies. This hampered communication with WHO Nation Workplace and complex efforts to handle a cholera outbreak in West Gondar, considerably delaying the response. Highway blockages and restrictions additional impeded the supply of important medical provides and help to well being employees on the entrance traces.
Regardless of these challenges, Dr. Addisalem stays undeterred. A profound sense of obligation and compassion fuels her deep dedication to her work. “As a lady and chief, it brings me nice satisfaction to know that I’m serving to those that want it most,” she shares. Her function in overcoming challenges through the cholera outbreak in July 2023 was pivotal. She mobilized the surge crew, airlifted important medical provides, and assigned groups to make sure epidemic preparedness and response. With a hands-on method, she communicated each day along with her groups, strengthening emergency companies within the Amhara area, and contributing to saving lives and sustaining well being companies.Her motivation is additional strengthened by the dedication of her colleagues at WHO. “The dedication of the WHO crew to supporting the area evokes me each day. It isn’t nearly coordinating efforts; it is about being half of a bigger mission to make an actual distinction in individuals’s lives,” she provides.
Dr. Addisalem can also be deeply grateful for the help that makes her work potential. “
I need to thank the federal government management and the healthcare employees who’re working tirelessly in these difficult conditions to save lots of lives. Their dedication is really exceptional and central to the progress we’re making. With out their steadfast dedication, our efforts wouldn’t have an effect,” she says.
“I’m additionally deeply grateful to the donors and different companions for his or her continued help.
Dr. Addisalem’s journey powerfully reminds us of the impression one particular person can have within the face of overwhelming challenges. Her story is one in all resilience, a testomony to the human spirit, and an unwavering dedication to the well being and well-being of the individuals of the Amhara area.
