MMM in Ethiopia

Ethiopia
Land:	1,104,300 sq km
Coastline:	0 km (landlocked)
Population:	85,237,338 (July 2009 estimate)
Age Structure:	0-14 years: 46.1% 15-64 years: 52.2% 65 years and over: 2.7%
Life Expectancy:	male: 52.92 years female: 57.97 years (2009 estimate)
Infant Mortality Rate: 80.8 deaths/1,000 live births
People living with HIV/AIDS: 980,000 (2007 estimate)
Literacy:	Total population: 42.7% male: 50.3% female: 35.16% (2003 estimate)
National Holiday: National Day, (defeat of MENGISTU regime) 28 May (1991)
From - World Factbook 2009

Medical Missionaries of Mary brought their first clinical services to Ethiopia in 1962. Today,  we have the MMM Center for Counselling and Social Services in Addis Ababa. This is a multi-discipline service in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The team is led by Sister Carol Breslin, a medical doctor who hails from New York. As well as providing a range of services in the field of HIV and AIDS, special emphasis is placed on the integration of persons with special needs into community life and care. There is also extensive work done to support children who have come orphans through AIDS.

History of MMM in Ethiopia

A recent project has involved the publication of a fourth book in Braille about HIV. Previous editions covered basic information, prevention and testing, and this latest one gives information on anti-retroviral treatment.

In Addis Ababa, the problem of HIV and AIDS led us to establish the MMM Social & Counselling Center. This is integrated with our work in Community-based Rehabilitation. Puppetry and street theatre are innovative means for education about HIV.

Stories from MMM in Ethiopia

MMM Mission Accomplished   by Sister Jo Ann Mullen
Ethiopia, 2009: It is already a little over 4 months since we passed over our ministry in Borana, located in the South of Ethiopia.  Good-byes as we all know can be very painful, but we will forever carry with us so many fond memories of the people, our day-to-day experiences, and the beautiful desert-like landscape with its challenging climate.  >>> more.

Setting Realistic Strategies   by Sister Carol Breslin
Ethiopia, 2008: Two years ago, working with a Consultant, we made it our main strategic objective to maximize the potential that new HIV treatment regimes offered. The planning involved management personnel at our two locations, the MMM Counseling & Social Services Center, founded in 1992 and at St. Mary’s Laboratory for which we took over responsibility in the year 2000. >>> more.


Another Memorable Year in Dadim  by Sister JoAnn Mullen
Ethiopia, 2006:  Our life here among the Borana pastoralists presents us with many surprises, some stiff challenges, frequent laughter and – sometimes – even tears. In each of the 25 years that MMM has been privileged to live and work in Dadim there has always been some noteworthy incident that makes you say ‘that’s something to write home about.’ Since we have seldom followed through on these ‘inspirations’ , one memorable event may be the writing of this article! >>> more.

Adapting to Changing Needs  by Sister Carol Breslin
Ethiopia, 2005:  Adapting to the changing needs of the people we serve has been part of our commitment since we began our MMM Counseling & Social Services Center in Addis Ababa back in 1992.This has constantly taught us to be creative in the range of services we provide.
When you find yourself challenged to provide full support for 129 orphan girls and 118 boys, you have to be creative! >>> more.

Developing Services for People Affected by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia
Sister Carol Breslin Talks to students of Iona College, New Rochelle, September 2005
My brother, Jack, is an associate professor in the Department of Mass Communications at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. With the staff of Campus Ministries at the College, he arranged for me to speak to the students about my ministry in Ethiopia. The title of my power point presentation was “MMM Counselling and Social Services Center: Developing Services for People Affected by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia” >>> more.

Looking back you may see how Obstacles become Opportunities
by Sister Carol Breslin
Ethiopia, 2004: In the early days of our Counselling and Social Services Centre here in Addis Ababa, we experienced many difficulties in getting access to do work related to HIV or AIDS in the community. This was due to stigma and denial.
At our Centre, we were able to run programmes related to HIV, including Education, Counselling and Orphan Support, but we could not deal with issues related to HIV or AIDS where people lived their daily lives. This caused us much concern. >>> more.

People with special needs are always on our mind

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History of MMM in Ethiopia  |  More Stories from Annals of MMM in Ethiopia

Last modified: Friday, October 30th, 2009