In an exclusive interview, we sit down with Dr. Mekonnen Negash, MD, DIHTM, a leading expert in maternal and child health in Ethiopia. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Mekonnen has been at the forefront of efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for mothers and children across the nation. As a passionate advocate for surgical services, he has dedicated his career to addressing the critical challenges that persist in Ethiopia’s healthcare system.

In this discussion, Dr. Mekonnen shares valuable insights into the progress made in reducing maternal mortality rates while also highlighting the ongoing obstacles posed by inadequate healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of trained personnel. He emphasizes the essential role of surgical interventions in enhancing health outcomes and outlines key strategies for improving access to safe and effective surgical care.

As Ethiopia continues to expand its health infrastructure and train skilled providers, Dr. Mekonnen’s expertise provides a crucial perspective on future directions and research priorities in maternal and child health. Join us as we explore this important conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing Ethiopia’s healthcare system and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure a healthier future for all citizens. Excerpts;

Capital: What are the future directions and research priorities in maternal, child health, and surgery?

Mekonnen Negash: Improving Access to Care Expanding services in underserved and rural areas. Developing cost-effective interventions for equitable access. Research on best practices to reduce surgical and obstetric complications. Innovations in minimally invasive and safe surgical techniques.

Investigating effective models for integrating maternal, child health, and surgical services. Enhancing workforce training and retention, Studying interventions to reduce high-risk pregnancies and neonatal conditions promoting nutrition, immunization, and early screening programs.

 Exploring telemedicine, mobile health units, and AI for diagnostics and surgical planning. Research on cultural, economic, and gender barriers affecting access to care. Advancing neonatal surgery, and establishing state of the art Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Addressing rare conditions and congenital anomalies. Strengthening the already existing collaboration with Indian similar centers for betterment of health outcomes. Building new partnerships for shared knowledge and resources. Strengthening data systems for tracking maternal and child health indicators. Researching the long-term impact of surgical interventions on quality of life.

Capital: How does surgery contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes?

Mekonnen: Surgery plays a critical role in improving maternal and child health outcomes by addressing life-threatening complications and providing timely interventions. Cesarean Sections (C-sections): Essential for saving lives in cases of obstructed labor, fetal distress, or maternal complications. Surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancies, postpartum hemorrhage, and uterine rupture prevents maternal deaths.

Correcting Congenital Anomalies: Surgeries for conditions like cleft palate, spina bifida, or heart defects improve survival and quality of life. Surgical interventions for neonatal intestinal blockages, infections, or trauma ensure better outcomes.

Management of Gynecological Conditions: Surgeries for Myomas, ovarian cysts, or pelvic organ prolapse enhance maternal well-being.: Timely surgical interventions prevent complications like fistulas that result from prolonged labor. Addressing complications quickly reduces both maternal and neonatal deaths. Prevents long-term health issues for mothers and children. Availability of surgical services ensures that mothers and children receive holistic care.

Capital:  What are the key interventions and strategies for improving access to safe and effective surgical care for women and children?

Mekonnen: Key measures to improve access to safe and effective surgical services for women and children include: Health infrastructure is paramount, which includes expanding facilities and equipping operating rooms.

The second is training, educating health professionals with specialized surgical techniques. Third, affordable care, which means that financial barriers need to be lowered and equitable access is required.

Others can be mentioned. Strengthening emergency systems referrals and transport networks. Implementation of preventive care: This means promoting prenatal care and vaccinations, as well as enhancing the use of technology through the implementation of telemedicine and mobile operating rooms.

Policy support, funding for surgical care, and advancing national strategies. As such, these measures that I have mentioned to some extent will enhance timely, safe and effective care for women and children.

Capital: What are the challenges faced by this center in providing quality healthcare?

Mekonnen: Time Mothers & Children Health and Surgical Center faces challenges in providing quality care, including a shortage of skilled manpower, limited access to advanced technology, and financial constraints.  Recruiting and retaining qualified staff, addressing burnout, and keeping up with training needs are key hurdles.  High costs of medical equipment, rapid technological advancements, and maintenance challenges further complicate access to technology.  Additionally, limited funding, supply chain disruptions, and space constraints can hinder the availability of essential resources.

Socioeconomic barriers, including patient affordability and lack of awareness, can limit access to care. Efficient management and patient volume management also require attention. Addressing these issues through staff training, partnerships, community engagement, and strategic resource allocation can improve service quality and sustainability.

Capital: How does this center contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes in Ethiopia?

Mekonnen: First High-Quality Medical Care, it means Provides skilled care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, reducing complications and deaths. Provides medical and surgical treatment for gynecological and infertility cases. Offers advanced neonatal and pediatric care, using state of the art technology and equipment including treatment for jaundice using intensive double phototherapy machines. Secondly, Emergency and Surgical Services

Ensures 24 hr 7 days availability of emergency obstetric care, including life-saving cesarean sections. Provides surgical services for neonates, pediatric as well as adult requiring surgical procedures.

Shortens recovery time for surgical patients with advanced anesthesia machines and techniques. Thirdly, focus on prevention: Delivers antenatal care, immunizations, and health education to prevent complications. Promotes family planning and nutrition counseling to improve maternal and child well-being. In other hand, Patient-Centered Environment, Adopts a one-patient-per-room policy with well-ventilated, aesthetically designed rooms, fostering comfort and faster recovery.

Equitable Access to Care: Offers affordable treatment plans and subsidies for low-income families. And also, Trains healthcare professionals in maternal, neonatal, and pediatric care to enhance service quality. Promotes continuous professional development for staff to adopt best practices. Holistic Postnatal Services: Provides comprehensive postnatal care, including breastfeeding support and guidance on newborn care.

Monitors child growth and development to address issues early. By integrating advanced medical care, prevention, and outreach, the center significantly enhances maternal and child health outcomes.

Capital: How will the center address the challenges of maternal and child mortality in Ethiopia?

Mekonnen: Ensuring access to skilled obstetric care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. Training healthcare professionals in managing complications like postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and obstructed labor. Offering 24 hr 7d emergency obstetric and neonatal care, including life-saving interventions like cesarean sections.

Treating newborn complications such as neonatal jaundice with intensive phototherapy machines and other advanced tools. Equipped with state of the art neonatal, pediatrics and adult ICU. Provides surgical treatment for neonatal, pediatric and adult cases. Focus on Preventive Care, Promoting antenatal care for early detection of high-risk pregnancies. Providing immunizations, family planning, and nutrition counseling to prevent illnesses and complications.

Educating communities on safe childbirth practices and recognizing danger signs during pregnancy. Improving Access to Quality Care, Offering affordable and equitable services to reduce financial and geographical barriers. Collaborating with local and international organizations to expand resources and improve infrastructure.

Enhanced Postnatal Services, Providing comprehensive postnatal care for mothers and newborns to address complications early. Offering guidance on breastfeeding, hygiene, and child development.

Monitoring and Data-Driven Interventions, Collecting and analyzing data to identify gaps and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Implementing evidence-based strategies to address specific local challenges. By combining advanced medical care, community engagement, and preventive strategies, the center is positioned to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality in Ethiopia.

Capital: What is the cost of treatment at the center, and how will it be accessible to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds?

Mekonnen: Treatment costs are designed to be competitive and reasonable, considering the local community’s economic capacity. Flexible payment plans are available for patients requiring longer-term care.

Essential maternal and child health services, such as vaccinations are offered free. Special discounts for low-income families and vulnerable groups. Collaboration with health insurance providers to cover a significant portion of treatment costs.  Offering free or discounted services during health campaigns. Partnering with NGOs and donors to sponsor treatments for low-income families.

Clear communication of treatment costs upfront to avoid financial stress for families. Ensuring that no patient is denied care due to inability to pay by offering financial assistance options. By balancing affordability with high-quality care and leveraging partnerships, the center ensures healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of financial status.

Capital: What makes this center unique compared to other healthcare facilities?

Mekonnen: Equipped with a double intensive phototherapy machine to effectively treat newborns with jaundice, ensuring faster recovery and reducing complications.

Features state-of-the-art anesthesia machines and agents designed to shorten recovery times while ensuring patients remain pain-free during and after surgery. Adopts a one-room-per-patient policy, offering privacy, comfort, and individualized attention for every patient. Rooms are aesthetically designed and well-ventilated, creating a calming environment that promotes healing and reduces stress for mothers, children, and their families.

Provides tailored care by skilled professionals dedicated to maternal and pediatric health. Offers comprehensive services, including obstetric care, pediatric treatment, and advanced surgical options for all age groups and genders.

Combines compassionate care with the latest medical technology to deliver superior outcomes. Strives to set new standards in healthcare quality and patient satisfaction in the region. This unique blend of cutting-edge technology, personalized care, and a focus on patient comfort sets Time Mothers & Children Health and Surgical Center apart from other facilities.

Capital: How will the center contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3?

Mekonnen: Reducing Maternal Mortality, Providing skilled obstetric care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. Offering emergency services like C-sections and managing high-risk pregnancies to prevent maternal deaths.

Ensuring access to high-quality pediatric care, including immunizations and treatment for common illnesses. Time has a neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for premature and critically ill newborns that can accommodate 16 newborns at a time with specialists to tackle any newborn problems.

Our surgical center offers a vital service in treating children with conditions requiring surgical intervention. This access to care can prevent disabilities, improve long-term health outcomes, and enhance the overall well-being of children.

Improving accessibility to affordable and specialized maternal and child health services in underserved areas. Promoting health equity through outreach programs and mobile clinics. Delivering vaccinations and awareness campaigns to prevent diseases like measles, polio, Tuberculosis and etc. Educating communities on hygiene and preventive healthcare practices.

Providing specialized training for healthcare workers in maternal, child health, and surgical care. Supporting continuous professional development to enhance skills and service delivery. Promoting Research and Innovation, Conducting research to address maternal and child health challenges and adopt evidence-based practices. Introducing advanced medical technologies to improve diagnostic and treatment outcomes. Empowering communities with knowledge about family planning, nutrition, and preventive healthcare. Encouraging the use of skilled birth attendance to reduce risks during childbirth.

Capital: What are the roles of different stakeholders in improving maternal, child health, and surgery?

Mekonnen: Improving maternal, child health, and surgical outcomes requires collaboration among various stakeholders. Each has distinct roles: Government and Health Authorities, Develop policies and allocate resources for maternal and child health programs. Strengthen health infrastructure and ensure equitable access to care. Monitor progress and enforce regulations to maintain quality standards. Deliver skilled care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal periods. Offer preventive services like immunizations, family planning, and nutrition counseling.

Perform life-saving surgical interventions for mothers and children in need.  Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Support community outreach, health education, and training for healthcare workers.

Provide funding and resources for under-resourced areas. Advocate for maternal and child health at local and global levels. Communities and Families; Promote health-seeking behavior and utilize available healthcare services. Support pregnant women and children with proper care and nutrition. Participate in health awareness programs and demand quality services.

Educational Institutions: Train healthcare professionals in maternal and child health practices. Conduct research to improve clinical practices and outcomes. Private Sector; Invest in healthcare facilities and innovative solutions to improve access and quality.

Support public-private partnerships for maternal and child health initiatives. Media and Advocacy Groups; Raise awareness about maternal and child health challenges and solutions. Advocate for increased funding and policy attention. International Organizations; Provide technical support, funding, and global guidelines (e.g., WHO, UNICEF). Facilitate knowledge-sharing and capacity building.

Capital: What are the ethical considerations in providing surgical care to women and children?

Mekonnen: For Women: Ensuring patients understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure before making a decision. For Children: Obtaining consent from parents or guardians, while considering the child’s best interests and, where appropriate, involving older children in decision-making. Respecting women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies and healthcare. Acknowledging cultural sensitivities while promoting evidence-based practices.

Prioritizing procedures that maximize benefits and minimize harm to the patient. Ensuring surgeries are medically necessary and avoiding overtreatment or unnecessary interventions.

Providing equitable surgical care regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or geographic location. Addressing barriers to access, such as cost, cultural norms, or transportation challenges. Safeguarding the physical and emotional well-being of children during surgical procedures. Ensuring a child-friendly environment and appropriate pain management.

Protecting sensitive patient information, especially regarding women’s reproductive health. Maintaining privacy during consultations and procedures. Adhering to high standards of surgical practice to prevent complications and infections. Regularly updating skills and knowledge to provide safe, evidence-based care.

Respecting cultural and religious beliefs while advocating for medically sound practices. Balancing traditional values with modern healthcare needs. Fairly distributing limited surgical resources, especially in low-resource settings. Prioritizing urgent cases while ensuring no group is disproportionately disadvantaged.

Capital: That are the future plans for the center, such as expansion or specialized training programs?

Mekonnen:  Establish new branches in underserved areas to improve healthcare access. Expand existing infrastructure to accommodate more patients and advanced services. Offer advanced training in obstetrics, neonatology, pediatric surgery, and maternal-fetal medicine. Conduct continuous medical education (CME) sessions for staff to stay updated on modern practices. Partner with universities and health institutions for skill-building and research.

Introduction of Advanced Services, Establish the state of art Fertility center. Provide cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment options. Adoption of Technology, Implement telemedicine services for remote consultations and follow-ups. Integrate advanced surgical technologies. Collaboration and partnerships, collaborate with government, NGOs, and international organizations to access resources and expertise.

Build networks for maternal and child health advocacy and training. Conduct research on maternal and child health challenges to inform evidence-based practices. Introduce innovative solutions for improved care delivery, these plans aim to position the center as a leader in maternal and child healthcare, enhancing both quality and accessibility.