With this text in the news channel X (formerly Twitter), the Ayder Hospital in Mekelle addresses the world public, with a cry for help to save it.
Kibrom Gebreselassie Desta, MD
Associate Professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Chief Executive Director
MU-CHS, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
Ayder Hospital was once a beacon of hope for the people of Tigray. It was a state-of-the-art facility that provided world-class care to patients from all over the region and beyond. But now, after two years of war, the hospital is in shambles.
The war brought a massive influx of patients to Ayder Hospital. Many of these patients were suffering from war-related injuries, and they required specialized care that the hospital was not equipped to provide due to the siege. The staff worked tirelessly to save lives, but they were often overwhelmed and understaffed.
In addition to the influx of patients, the war also caused a major disruption to the hospital's supply chain. Medical supplies and equipment were out of function, and the hospital was unable to get the resources it needed to function properly. Currently, the hospital's MRI (the only one in the region), CT, Mammography, CathLab, ESWL, digital X Ray, Dental Units, and most importantly, the Oxygen plant are out of function.
The staff of Ayder Hospital have worked tirelessly for two years without pay. They have shown incredible dedication and compassion, but they are now at their breaking point. They are exhausted, demoralized, and they are starting to leave the hospital.
If Ayder Hospital loses its staff, it will be a major blow to the health care system in Tigray. The hospital is the only one in the region that can provide specialized care, and its closure would mean that many patients would have no access to treatment.
The international community has been slow to respond to the crisis in Tigray. The United Nations has only provided a fraction of the aid that is needed, and the Ethiopian government has done little to help.
The people of Tigray are suffering. They are dying from preventable diseases, and they are being denied access to essential medical care. The international community must do more to help the people of Tigray, and they must do it now.
I am writing this essay with a heavy heart. I am heartbroken by the situation in Tigray, and I am deeply concerned about the future of Ayder Hospital. I urge the international community to take action and save this vital institution.
The people of Tigray deserve better. They deserve to have access to quality health care, and they deserve to have a hospital that they can be proud of. We must not let the people down.
The following are some of the specific ways that the international community can help Ayder Hospital:
• Provide medical supplies and equipment.
• Donate money to help the hospital pay its staff.
• Send skilled professionals to help rebuild the hospital's staff in areas of need.
• Press the Ethiopian government to allow more fund and aid to reach Tigray and rebuild the damaged infrastructure.
The future of Ayder Hospital hangs in the balance. If we do not act now, the hospital will be lost, and the people of Tigray will suffer. I urge the international community to take action and save this vital institution.
I hope this essay has helped to raise awareness of the situation in Tigray and the plight of Ayder Hospital. I urge you to share this essay with your friends and family, and to let them know that they can help by donating to the cause. Together, we can make a difference.
