Founder of the Spanish NGO ‘Mensajeros De La Paz’ Pledges to Construct a New Maternal and Child Specialized Hospital in Gondar

Those who were present during the celebratory event included the University of Gondar President, Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, Dr. Ashenafi Tazebew, CEO of the Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Padre Angle Garcia, Founder of Mensajeros De La Paz, Mrs. Yeshi Beyene, Founder of AYME (helping mothers in need), representatives of the Spanish NGO and UoG management.

The University of Gondar has been at the forefront of efforts to address significant societal problems that are pervasive in Ethiopian society. There are numerous reasons for concern regarding various facets of Ethiopian life. For instance, one could list poverty, infant mortality rates, and the unequal treatment of women. To address these issues head-on, the university must put in a lot of effort and demonstrate resilience, sometimes even in the face of opposition from societal factors. Hence, the day was of the utmost importance because of the barriers which the delegation from Spain wanted to break down.

It could be remembered that this same group of individuals visited the University of Gondar back in 2018 and inaugurated the Mulu Maternity Clinic which is located in Azezo. The clinic was established by Mrs. Yeshi Beyene who is a native Ethiopian but a resident of Spain. With her effort and passion, she was able to receive tremendous support from the founder of Mensajeros De La Paz (Missionaries for Peace), Padre Angel Garcia, who fully funded the construction of the maternity clinic and also supported with materials, services, and five ambulances.

The tremendous work that had taken place five years ago is now giving service to hundreds of thousands in the area and has ultimately saved the lives of many women and children in the process. And now the NGO from Spain and its founder are going one step further and have pledged to construct a new maternal and child-specialized hospital that will increase the capacity of the services provided to mothers and children in Gondar.

When speaking on the day Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, the President of the University of Gondar, expressed his delight in the work that was done and shared his joy in the future project.

“The recent news that you will help construct a new maternity and child-specialized hospital instills a great sense of joy within us and we cannot express in words how much your work is creating a better life for ordinary Ethiopians,” shared Dr. Asrat. “Padre Angle your actions are vast and on behalf of women and children who will benefit from your work, I say thank you.”

In addition to this, the founder of Missionaries for Peace will support in helping the facilitation of rotary training of health extension workers in various health posts.

Mrs. Yeshi Beyene who is a native Ethiopian, but who resides in Spain, was also present at the day’s event. She had worked with the University of Gondar to open the maternity clinic on the outskirts of Azezo to cater to pregnant women in the area and has even contributed significantly by helping in the donation of an ambulance. When appreciating her role in the future of maternal health in the region Dr. Asrat expounded on her numerous deeds.

“Yeshi on the 25th of September 2018 your lifelong dream of opening a maternity center came to reality with the inauguration of the Mulu Maternity Center,” shared the President. “Your passion which has spanned over 10 years is crucial to mothers everywhere. So, thank you for all the things you have done for your country, which will never be forgotten.”

In the near future the Spanish NGO, Mensajeros De La Paz, will look to construct a new specialized hospital for the health and well-being of Ethiopian mothers and children. The president of the university expressed that the University of Gondar, observing the positive effects of the Mulu Maternity Clinic, will be working with the city administration to petition for more land for the construction of the new hospital.