Help us Rebuild Fire Destroyed Otona Hospital

Dear Friends, Ethiopians, and Global Supporters,

We, the Ethiopian diaspora from Wolayta Zone, urgently call on your solidarity and compassion. Just three days ago, Otona Hospital—Southern Ethiopia’s century-old medical lifeline—was tragically destroyed by fire. All vital equipment and facilities were lost: surgical tools, laboratories, MRI and X-ray machines, a fully staffed pharmacy, and the region’s only dialysis center. Heartbreakingly, no fire brigade serves this area, and the flames were left to ravage unchecked.

Otona Hospital’s story began in the 1920s, when visionary SIM missionaries—Drs. Lambie, Barlow, and Adolph—traded comfort for service. Their work built a beacon of healing that served millions. Nationalized in 1974, the hospital remained indispensable under Wolaita Sodo University until this devastating loss.

While rebuilding is the government’s responsibility, restoring its legacy will require a united effort—from the diaspora, churches, NGOs, and caring individuals worldwide. Every contribution, no matter the size, carries the power to revive hope and rebuild this monument of resilience and service.

Please donate generously. Share this message far and wide. Let us honor the legacy of Otona Hospital by ensuring it rises again, stronger and equipped for generations to come.

With gratitude,

The Organizing Team (Gizachew Marcos, Dr Marcos Faltamo, Densa Desta, Dr Ambachew Anjulo, Katale Salile, Wesenachew Zebdewos, Teshome Meja, Zenebech Lachebo, Birhanu Godana & Yosef Dogiso)