Stories From the Field: Bishaw Deboch

Bishaw Deboch can remember when up to 200 students would wait in line to use one or two books from the library at Jimma University, where he is vice dean of the public health program.

That was before the Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative began in 1997. Now Jimma University, one of the initiatives' seven partner institutions, has new office equipment, computers, and textbooks for most students.

"Students are now being trained better, which translates into better health care for rural Ethiopians who need help most," Deboch said. "Students are sent to work in rural treatment centers, where they have an enormous impact on communities." He believes better medical treatment is critical to progress on other social fronts as well, including poverty, economics, and stability.