‘Without health, life is not worth living.’ We all know this saying – but we only recognise its truth when we are confronted with a problem. Especially in economically poorer countries, access to high-quality healthcare facilities is often limited – and/or very expensive. Vulnerable people – including mothers, newborns, and children with or without disabilities – are the most affected in this regard and are therefore the target group of the Capacity Strengthening for Quality Health Service Programme in Shashemene (SHEP). This programme was developed to improve healthcare for around 75,000 people in the city of Shashemene and its surroundings. To this end, the Shashemene Catholic Health Centre (SCHC) will undergo urgently needed infrastructural modernisation that will set the standard for the requirements of a modern hospital. This includes a modern energy supply via photovoltaics, a secure water supply and environmentally friendly waste management, as well as extensive skills training for staff.
In addition, by the end of June 2028, 25% of families living in difficult conditions, orphans and neglected children in Shashamene City and the surrounding area will be supported through access to high-quality health facilities and home-based health services.