The community of Belel Kelle is a beacon for the dozens of surrounding villages that depend on it. It already has a thriving women’s garden, an expanding elementary school, and an existing health post.
The medical team here is well-trained and dedicated, but the current infrastructure cannot meet the needs of the population.
Inside the partially constructed maternity ward at Belel Kelle.
The walls of the maternity ward are well constructed. The community just needs a little help to complete the project.
To better serve families, the community came together to build a maternity ward so expectant mothers can give birth in a safe and sanitary environment, with trained medical staff assisting. Together, the village raised an amazing $12,000!"
To better serve families, they started a campaign to build a maternity ward so expectant mothers could give birth in a safe and sanitary environment, with trained medical staff assisting. They raised an amazing $12,000! Enough to start construction on the walls and secure roofing materials. But the funds ran out, and they were unable to finish the project.
Thanks to the members of Hub City Church in Albany, Oregon, their requests for assistance were heard and construction has restarted. We are hoping to finish construction and open doors in the next few months.
Mason workers finishing the interior walls of the maternity ward.
With finished walls and a sturdy roof installed, contractors will now move on to the electrical and plumbing work, followed by a final coat of paint.
Construction on the Belel Kelle Maternity Ward is well on its way. Once complete it will be stocked with medical equipment, medication, and other supplies to support the health care workers in providing the full range of services required in the area.
Members of the Belel Kelle Health Committee outside the nearly completed maternity ward
The expanded facility will serve more than 5,000 people, support approximately 150 safe births annually, and enable staff to screen, treat, and monitor over 500 children experiencing various stages of malnutrition, as well as deliver thousands of additional routine services, including vaccinations, prenatal consultations, malaria treatment, and essential primary care.
We look forward to sharing more with you once the facility is complete and welcoming its first patients. Bravo to the community of Belel Kelle for their hard work. perseverance, and determination! We are honored to partner with them on this significant milestone.
