Future Direction
The Vision of Australian Doctors for Africa is “Working Together To Improve Health.” The Mission of the organisation is “To develop healthier environments and to build capacity through the provision of voluntary medical assistance, medical equipment, supplies and training to those in need.”
In many respects the above does not represent a radical change in its operations and departure from the course charted since 2005. Therefore, ADFA will continue to address the cornerstone of its operations, its priorities, goals and activities.
To effect significant change, the following represents ADFA’s direction for 2011 and 2012.
- Provision of orthopaedic service and treatment through orthopeadic surgeons
- Provision of other medical specialists such as urology and gastroenterology
- Despatching urgently needed medical equipment, medical supplies and medication
- Constructing, converting or renovating medical buildings and facilities
- Establishing teaching programs and strengthening those in existence
- Increasing the voluntary administrative capacity of the organisation
By far the biggest challenge in 2011 will be the conversion of a teaching space into two operating theatres at the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa. With a costing of up to $300,000, this represents the largest budget item undertaken by ADFA. However, the construction of two new operating theatres will cater for the continuing increase in orthopaedic surgery and treatment for the poor at the hospital.
At the same time, the need for the building of a new but small Australian hospital exclusively for orthopaedics and paediatrics for the poor in Addis Ababa has generated interest. A Scoping Study has recently been undertaken to be followed by a more detailed Feasibility Study in 2012. This is long term vision of ADFA.
The measurement of our success will be highlighted by our endeavours to meet our goals and priorities. Success will be assured if:
- We continue to operate effectively in shaping and refining our priorities
- We have contributed to advancing the quality of teaching through our work
- We have contributerd to raising the medical standard within hospitals in five disadvantaged settings
- We have completed our intended building projects
- We have shaped policy directions both internally and externally
- We have reached fund raising targets through wider recognition of our operations
- We continue to perform a high number of orthopaedic surgery and treatment on each visitation
- We continue to maintain a professional relationship with our orthopaedic organisations
- We continue to provide medical equipment and supplies