In Bahirdar, a metropolis on the fringe of the enticing Lake Tana, Dr Addisalem Yilma Tefera stands as a pillar of dedication. As the WHO Bahirdar Hub Coordinator, she has taken on the mammoth accountability of coordinating WHO supported well being actions in the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz areas, a job that is needed in the face of extra than one public well being emergencies.
Amhara space is currently besieged by extra than one public well being emergencies, together with cholera, malaria, and other vaccine-preventable ailments, compounded by ongoing conflict. The challenges are mammoth, with broken or looted facilities, a foremost shortage of well being workers, and medical supplies. Dr. Addisalem’s role involves strategically guiding the response to these crises. Together with her team, she works tirelessly to strengthen the local well being machine, focusing mainly on areas most at threat of outbreaks, corresponding to the Holy Water space, refugee camps, and Inner Displaced Folk (IDP) settlements.
“During times of crisis, the health system is often stretched to its limits. Facilities may be damaged or looted, health workers are in short supply, and there are often significant shortages of medical supplies,” Dr. Addisalem explains. “By anticipating these challenges and planning for possible public health emergencies, we work to reduce the challenges on our people.”
WHO in its role to strengthen authorities effort has strongly emphasised immediate response, assigning surge groups to serious areas and carefully monitoring the topic on the floor. This permits early detection of illness outbreaks and intervention.
Dr. Addisalem’s hunch is now not without its challenges. One in particular attempting moment came in August 2023, correct a month into her tenure, when a crisis in the space ended in a disruption in web providers. This hampered communication with WHO Nation Keep of work and subtle efforts to abet watch over a cholera outbreak in West Gondar, very much delaying the response. Boulevard blockages and restrictions further impeded the shipping of needed medical supplies and strengthen to well being workers on the entrance lines.
No topic these challenges, Dr. Addisalem remains undeterred. A profound sense of duty and compassion fuels her deep dedication to her work. “As a woman and leader, it brings me great satisfaction to know that I am helping those who need it most,” she shares. Her role in overcoming challenges for the length of the cholera outbreak in July 2023 was as soon as pivotal. She mobilized the surge team, airlifted needed medical supplies, and assigned groups to be distinct epidemic preparedness and response. With a palms-on plan, she communicated daily with her groups, strengthening emergency providers in the Amhara space, and contributing to saving lives and asserting well being providers.Her motivation is further strengthened by the dedication of her colleagues at WHO. “The commitment of the WHO team to supporting the region inspires me every day. It’s not just about coordinating efforts; it’s about being part of a larger mission to make a real difference in people’s lives,” she provides.
Dr. Addisalem is additionally deeply grateful for the strengthen that makes her work capacity. “
I want to thank the government leadership and the healthcare workers who are working tirelessly in these challenging situations to save lives. Their dedication is truly remarkable and central to the progress we are making. Without their steadfast commitment, our efforts would not have an impact,” she says.
“I am also deeply grateful to the donors and other partners for their continued support.
Dr. Addisalem’s journey powerfully reminds us of the impact one person can have in the face of overwhelming challenges. Her story is one of resilience, a testament to the human spirit, and an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the people of the Amhara region.
