In rural Ethiopia, improving maternal and newborn health takes sustained commitment and strong partnerships. We are pleased to share the Village Health Partnership (VHP) 2025 Annual Trip Report, along with a complementary trip report from our partner, Water Engineers for the Americas and Africa (WEFTA).
What We Focused on in 2025
Rather than expanding into new areas, VHP made a strategic decision this year to strengthen and sustain the health systems already in place. Our work centered on ensuring that essential infrastructure and clinical practices continue to function reliably, especially where geography and limited resources create persistent challenges.
Key highlights from the VHP 2025 Trip Report include:
- Sustaining WASH and Power Systems through the Circuit Rider Program, which supports preventive maintenance of water, plumbing, and solar infrastructure critical to labor and delivery rooms.
- Improving Newborn Care at the regional referral hospital, where 48 providers were trained in essential newborn care and protocols to address respiratory distress.
- Screen, Transport, and Treat Program services for women with obstetric fistula and severe pelvic organ prolapse, resulting in life-changing care for 26 fistula patients and treatment for 350 women with prolapse.
- Addressing Maternal Nutrition by launching a new food security initiative with demonstration gardens and conservation agriculture for women staying in maternity waiting areas.
A Partner Perspective from WEFTA
WEFTA’s trip report offers an important partner view of the technical and engineering work that makes safe care possible. As a key partner in our WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) efforts, WEFTA plays a critical role in ensuring that health facilities have reliable access to clean water and power. Their perspective highlights how engineering solutions directly enable clinical care. Together, VHP and WEFTA work to ensure that care is not only accessible, but clean, safe, and effective, and that health systems are equipped to support women and newborns over the long term.
Read the Reports
These reports reflect what is possible through long-term partnership and local leadership. We invite you to read both and learn more about the collaborative work advancing safer motherhood in rural Ethiopia.
