Soddo, Ethiopia

Soddo Christian Hospital, Soddo, Ethiopia

Ethiopia

• Animism and Orthodox Christianity are the main religions.
• Only African country that has never been colonized.
• Represents that which is “African” and therefore influences pan-African affairs.
• Third most densely populated country in Africa.
• 150 surgeons for a population of 85 million.
• 80% of surgeons in contrast to 5% of the population live in the capital, Addis Abba.
• A mostly rural country, leaving most of the population without medical care.
• Average household income is $120/year, one of the poorest in the world.

Soddo Christian Hospital

• Five-year-old, 120 bed Christian mission hospital.
• Aims to provide healthcare in the name of Jesus Christ.
• 140-member staff made of christian Ethiopian doctors and workers, aided by expatriate missionaries.
• Located in the SW region of Wolaitta, one of the most populated and impoverished areas in Ethiopia.
• Five general surgery residents are currently training at Soddo.
• Recent accreditation by the Ethiopian government’s ministry of education promises to bring additional applicants.
• More general surgeons (and other specialties) are needed!