Harbu Chulule is a small region about 100km away from the capital Addis Ababa in the centre of Ethiopia, which is located in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia is a landlocked country, and has suffered from drought and deforestation, thus food and water scarcity affect most residents. Many families rely on intermittent shipments from the World Food Programme. Water-borne illnesses are highly prevalent. There is a massive shortage of physicians in the country.

Project Description
These are optical and surgical projects in which the main clinic and surgery days are held at Harbu Chulule Health Center, Oromiya Regional State, about a ten minute walk from the Hopethiopia Volunteer facility. Patients are offered vision screenings, diagnosis, refractions, glasses, and scheduled for surgeries. We work with a local medical staff the first week and our MMI team members provide surgery during the second week. Small collections of Rx eyeglasses are prepared for the projects, along with reading glasses for those who require glasses after their consult.

Elevation
2450 m (8000 ft)

Climate
Climate - Semi-arid highland.
Dry season: October - February. Dry and temperate.
Wet season: March - September. Wet and temperate.
Average High: 21°C (70°F) - Average Low: 10°C (50°F)
About 50% Sunny and cloudy, Normal precipitation: 117mm/4.6 in rainfall

Travelers must present a passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required, if you have visited a country where yellow fever occurs.

• Americans: For more information, see the US State Department website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/ethiopia.html

• Canadians: Our team members with the exception of the Ophthalmologists, will be able to obtain tourist visas, which are required, for $50 USD, upon arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa. Visitor/Tourist visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issue (not the date of arrival). For more information on the visa application process, please check this website:
http://www.ethioembassycanada.org/consular-service/visa-services
Please check the following website for the most current entry/exit requirements:
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/ethiopia

• International: Please contact MMI office or Key Travel (formerly Raptim Humanitarian Travel) for visa requirement if needed.

Please email ALL CREDENTIALS upon application, as these must go to the Project Director in the country to be translated and then taken to the Ministry of Health to get temporary licenses prior to your arrival.

• For everyone, we need:
- Colour Scan / Photocopy of Passport (photo page)
- Colour photo for your name badge (any good photo, we can adjust size)
- Travel Itinerary
- Supply Lists

• Medical Professionals, we also need your:
- Current License (through time of project)
- Diploma (Techs, Nursing, Dental, MD and Board Certifications)
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume (this also will help the Project Director know your skills & experience to assign you a task on the project, especially for 1st time participants)

• Health Care Students: Letter of Good Standing from your school (including year of study and graduation date).

• All MINORS travelling with only one parent, or without their parents, will need a letter from BOTH parents stating that it is OK for the child to travel with one parent or an appointed guardian. The letter should be signed and notarized. MMI needs a copy of this letter, and the parent or guardian should carry the original letter while travelling.

Airfare is not included on the Project Schedule because the costs for airfare vary significantly based on the country location, location of team members, and time of year.

Once accepted for a Project Team, participants can contact our designated travel agent to coordinate schedules with the team itinerary.

Globespan Travel Management www.globespan.com
Email: Globespan on behalf of Medical Ministry International mmitravel@globespan.com
Phone: Connie Kelsey at: (800) 810-1948 or (416) 322-7629

• Applicants from outside USA or Canada:
Travel arrangement can be procured locally or with the recommended agency, but arrivals & departures must coordinate with team.

• Airport: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

We strongly recommend that you consult a travel clinic, as they are aware of outbreaks and can suggest preventative immunizations. All routine immunizations should be up-to-date. Please check the following website for the most current information.

Americans: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ethiopia

Canadians: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/ethiopia

MMI will arrange local accommodations for the team.
• Laundry Service: usually available for additional fee
• AC/Heat: dependent on location
• Phone Service: check with your cell phone provider, roaming is very expensive
• Wifi/Internet: Yes
• Voltage: 220V(adaptor and converter required).
• Meals: MMI will provide meals for the team. Dietary restrictions can be indicated on your application and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Be sure to bring your own re-usable water bottle with a wide mouth for refilling. Purified water is supplied. If you would like to bring snacks to have throughout the day, please bring items such as peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix or pretzels and crackers in sealable containers (like Ziploc bags).

• Language: Oromo 33.8%, Amharic (official) 29.3% and other indigenous languages
• Religion:
- Ethiopian Orthodox: 43.5%
- Muslim: 33.9%
- Protestant: 18.5%
- Other: 3.6%
• Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic

The money in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian birr. Currency exchange should be available in Addis upon arrival. All major credit cards are accepted in Addis - Visa and MasterCard the most widely accepted (make sure to call your credit card company and let them know that you’ll be traveling internationally). Traveler’s cheques are not easily cashed. You must bring US dollars in good condition. Torn, stamped or old bills will not be exchanged. $100 bills older than 2006 are also not accepted.