Imagine a world where life-saving vascular surgery is considered a luxury, not a necessity. In Ethiopia, a country of over 123 million people, there are only a handful of vascular surgeons and residents. The scarcity of vascular surgeons and limited access to essential equipment are hindering the ability to provide critical care to those in need.
A Story of Hope and Healing
Tikur Anbessa Hospital in Addis Ababa has dedicated vascular specialists. Despite their passion and skill, they still face immense challenges in providing essential care. Limited resources and equipment, and a shortage of specialised training hinder the ability to save lives.
After spending some time in Addis Ababa, one EVST member (European Vascular Surgeons in Training) recalls their time there. They remember the “CT angiography is not readily available at Black Lion University Hospital, Addis Ababa. The CT machine is often out of order and the cost of the examination is too expensive for many patients”. Another added challenge our colleagues face is not knowing whether they have sufficient materials for their surgeries. The EVST member continues on to say that “[e]very day basic materials like prolene sutures are rationed due to scarcity. It is very daunting starting a vascular surgery on call shift with only a handful of prolene sutures”.
The staff and perosnnel at Tikur Anbessa Hospital stay resilient and problem-solve their way through these challenges. “One night I was called by the colorectal surgeons who had discovered a ruptured mesenteric artery aneurysm in the abdomen. We only had three 5.0 and two 3.0 prolene sutures available and had to make do. Rationing in healthcare is the norm in many countries yet alien to the western world. I am very glad that the medical technology industry has donated more monofilament sutures to humanitarian endeavours”. And despite an unreliable CT angiography, this EVST member focuses on positive experiences as well: “Teaching diagnostic angiography skills [to] local vascular surgeons allowed them to diagnose the vascular lesion in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia and plan for bypass surgery!”.
Your Impact: A Lifeline for Ethiopia’s People
The ESVS Mission “Ethiopia” is our opportunity to make a tangible difference. Every year, the ESVS holds a Charity Run at the ESVS Annual Meeting. This year, by participating in the run at #ESVS2024 in Kraków, you’ll directly support:
- Mentorship and Training: Sending expert vascular surgeons from the ESVS to Addis Ababa to train local professionals and share essential techniques.
- Fundamental Equipment: Providing vital surgical supplies and equipment to enhance the capabilities of Ethiopian hospitals (vascular sutures and puncture sets for angiography, for instance).
- Building a Sustainable Future: Empowering local healthcare providers to deliver high-quality vascular care for generations to come.
A Personal Journey, A Global Impact
Every step you take in the Charity Run will echo across continents, bringing hope to countless individuals in Ethiopia. Join us on this journey of compassion and make a lasting difference.
How to Get Involved:
- Run for Progress: Join the charity run at the ESVS Annual Meeting in Krakow and contribute to the cause with every stride. Find more information below this blog.
- Donate: Even if you can’t participate in the run, your generous donation can make a significant impact.
- Spread the Word: Share this message with your friends, family, and colleagues to inspire others to join the cause.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply want to make a difference, the Charity Run offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a noble cause. Lace up your running shoes and join us in Kraków. Let’s unite as a community, and together, we can write a new chapter in the story of Ethiopian healthcare. Let’s run for progress, donate, and help circulate hope and health!
Ethiopia has one of the highest prevalences of carotid body tumours in the world due to its highlands being at over 2400m. In Europe carotid body tumours are extremely rare however it is not uncommon to operate two a week in Addis Ababa. I gained good experience in seeing how my Ethiopian colleagues managed and operated on these tumours.
CT angiography is not readily available at Black Lion University Hospital, Addis Ababa. The CT machine is often out of order and the cost of the examination is too expensive for many patients. Teaching diagnostic angiography skills [to] local vascular surgeons allowed them to diagnose the vascular lesion in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia and plan for bypass surgery!
Every day basic materials like prolene sutures are rationed due to scarcity. It is very daunting starting a vascular surgery on call shift with only a handful of prolene sutures. One night I was called by the colorectal surgeons who had discovered a ruptured mesenteric artery aneurysm in the abdomen. We only had three 5.0 and two 3.0 prolene sutures available and had to make do. Rationing in healthcare is the norm in many countries yet alien to the western world. I am very glad that the medical technology industry has donated more monofilament sutures to humanitarian endeavors.
Charity Run at the ESVS 38th Annual Meeting in Kraków
- Who can participate: delegates, exhibitors and faculty of the #ESVS2024
- When: Tuesday 24th of September, at 18:00 CEST
- Where: Meet up point is the entrance of the venue. It is a 5K run where participants can admire the beautiful views of Kraków.
- How to participate: Register for the Annual Meeting online, and tick on the Charity Run. You can also register onsite at the main registration desk. The fee is €25, which will directly fund the Mission Ethiopia project. Participants will receive an ESVS run t-shirt.Â
Registration closes Tuesday 24th of September, at 15:00 CEST or until tickets sell out.
Charity Run tickets are limited, so do not wait until the last minute!
