The development of emergency medicine in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is an ancient country bordered by Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea. The mainly rural and predominantly young population of 80 million is expected to surpass 100 million by 2020. These demographics, along with decades of political turmoil and environmental degradation caused by overfarming, have resulted in widespread poverty and a dual burden of disease, both infectious and chronic, and too little health care infrastructure to respond appropriately. In addition to malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis, the population is affected by cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. Trauma is another major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly trauma from motor vehicle accidents. Along with other health care improvements, Ethiopia is clearly in need of an emergency medicine (EM) system.