Ethiopia
Ethiopia sits in the eastern corner of the African continent in what is called “the horn of Africa”. With over 107 million inhabitants, it is the second most populated country on the continent. It is among the top 10 fastest growing nations in the world with an annual population growth approaching 2.46%.
Ethiopia suffers from poverty and poor sanitation. It is frequently listed among the poorest countries in the world (# 21 in 2017). More than three-quarters of the population live on less than one dollar per day. Per capita income in 2017 was $1,916.
With regard to health, Ethiopia ranks near the bottom on almost every indicator. For a child-bearing female, the lifetime risk of maternal death, that is death related to pregnancy, is one in sixteen. (In the developed West, it is around one in 2,800). Most of us in the West will never know someone who dies from childbirth. But in Ethiopia, it is far too common. Infant mortality is 42 deaths before one year of age for every 1,000 live births (#165 out of 182 countries).
Soddo is 330km south of Addis Ababa at the edge of the Great Rift Valley with beautiful weather at 7,400 feet elevation. Misty green mountains hedge the city, and the climate is moderate and pleasant. October through April is the driest and hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 80 degree Fahrenheit. May to September is more moderate, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. Two rainy seasons occur: February to March and May to September.
Ethiopia suffers from poverty and poor sanitation. It is frequently listed among the poorest countries in the world (# 21 in 2017). More than three-quarters of the population live on less than one dollar per day. Per capita income in 2017 was $1,916.
With regard to health, Ethiopia ranks near the bottom on almost every indicator. For a child-bearing female, the lifetime risk of maternal death, that is death related to pregnancy, is one in sixteen. (In the developed West, it is around one in 2,800). Most of us in the West will never know someone who dies from childbirth. But in Ethiopia, it is far too common. Infant mortality is 42 deaths before one year of age for every 1,000 live births (#165 out of 182 countries).
Soddo is 330km south of Addis Ababa at the edge of the Great Rift Valley with beautiful weather at 7,400 feet elevation. Misty green mountains hedge the city, and the climate is moderate and pleasant. October through April is the driest and hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 80 degree Fahrenheit. May to September is more moderate, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. Two rainy seasons occur: February to March and May to September.
