AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Restrictions to the use of the Internet endanger the health of many little patients

Meki (Agenzia Fides) – “Since the Ethiopian government restricted access to the Internet it has become impossible for us to obtain scientific information on the web or discuss cases of serious illnesses which we are unable to manage”. This testimony, coming through VPN (private virtual networks), since access to the Internet is still closed, comes from a Spanish paediatrician coordinator of a hospital for children in Meki, Oromia, Ethiopia.
“Usually when we are in difficulty we use email or telephone to contact international specialists for an exchange of opinions. Thanks to new telemedicine techniques we are able to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment and this improves the quality of life for many little patients. But the situation has changed. The Ethiopian government censure of the Internet and social networks is causing considerable damage of various nature”.
So many Ethiopian boys and girls await diagnosis and treatment at the paediatric centre in Meki, and other centres, including Gambo, where young patients in serious conditions wait for care and treatment. (AP) (23/7/2016 Agenzia Fides)

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