(GIBH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Addis Ababa City Health Bureau on March 20th, 2015. The MOU was signed in Addis Ababa and establishes a formal partnership with the Health Bureau to implement a pilot quality improvement project at the Gandhi Memorial Hospital (GMH) located in the Ethiopian capital. The Addis Ababa Health Bureau oversees the GMH. The project is designed to serve as a demonstration quality improvement project that can be gradually scaled up to other public hospitals throughout Ethiopia.
In the MOU, the Health Bureau has agreed to support GIBH with letters of support for its grant applications for funding for its proposed projects, facilitation of shipping of donated medical equipment and supplies, and letter of support in obtaining administrative and local logistic help. In addition, it has agreed to grant access to the GMH to implement this quality improvement project and others in the future. On its part, GIBH has agreed to raise funds, apply for grants, and implement quality improvement projects that will help to raise quality standards, operational efficiency, patient safety, patient satisfaction, and enhance healthcare giver training. GIBH also agreed to strive to work with its current partners and expand its current network to obtain and ship donated medical equipment and supplies as needed and able, to raise the quality of care at GMH.
The Addis Ababa Health Bureau was established in 1985 under the Addis Ababa City Administration, with a responsibility to organize, coordinate and regulate public health activities and services in the City of Addis Ababa. The Health Bureau is entrusted with a mission to improve the health and well-being of city residents. The Bureau has direct administrative jurisdiction over several public hospitals in Addis Ababa, including GMH.
GIBH is a 501 c (3), not-for-profit organization, registered in the State of Texas, created with a mission to improve the health of women and children and families and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, through educational projects for healthcare professionals, facility-based quality improvement projects, public health initiatives, and provision of medical care and medical missions.
Through this partnership, both GIBH and the Addis Ababa Health Bureau agree to work together to improve the quality of care delivered to women and children at GMH.
GIBH would like to express its deepest appreciation to many individuals; government officials serving in different capacities, hospital administration, staff, and personnel, and members of the clergy and Non-Governmental Organizations who were instrumental in making the recent trip of GIBH to Addis Ababa a success. GIBH especially appreciates the care with which it was received in light of the busy schedules held by many, the provision of general information to inform direction, pertinent and timely advice, and in general for fruitful introductory meetings.