As the year comes to a close, Team VSI is busy wrapping up the year-end activities and reflecting on the progress and impact of our work in 2011. 

Our work in Ethiopia has been highlighted with stories of women and providers who have made a difference to our work. They are the example of how simple and innovative medical solutions can make an everlasting impact on families and entire communities. This year we met two health extension workers (HEWs), Robey and Aynalem, who are such examples. HEWs are one of the country’s greatest resources for essential medical care. Each HEW is assigned to a rural health post where she educates women about misoprostol and other important health practices. They often link with traditional midwives and travel from house to house providing miso tablets to women and delivering mothers. In 2011, VSI educated 435 HEWs on misoprostol, allowing more women to receive care wherever they are, and wherever they may deliver.

As we look ahead to 2012 we promise to stay focused on reaching women where they are. With your support, we will continue to bring health solutions like misoprostol tablets to more hard-to-reach communities to make pregnancy and childbirth safer. In 2012 we are also expanding our program to include counseling on postpartum family planning and life-saving postabortion care services. Your partnership in our efforts to improve the lives of women in places where the need is greatest means a lot to us. We hope you will consider renewing your valued contribution. Together we are stronger and can achieve more. 

For more information on VSI, read our recently published Biennial Report, covering programmatic activity and achievements during 2009-2010. The Report encapsulates the mission-driven work of our organization to improve women’s health by increasing access – access to health technologies and essential care.