We couldn’t ignore the need of all displaced people in Ethiopia. With the help of our partners, we distributed milled grains, which is the staple diet in the country. We are seeking to help with more needs and in more areas, without prejudice. #Ethiopia #nonprofit #ethiopianconflict #africa
This is What We Do
Blindness
Many people in Ethiopia are blind due to dense cataracts. Thousands of blind or visually impaired patients now enjoy restored sight. This is the result of life-changing cataract surgery made possible by THAF funding.
Safe Water
In Ethiopia, only one in three people has easy access to safe water. One child in ten dies before his/her fifth birthday – half from diarrhea. THAF works to protect springs and build safe and inexpensive water collection systems.
Podoconiosis
“Podo” is a disfiguring disease affecting over a million people in Ethiopia who are too poor to afford shoes. It is the result of barefoot exposure to irritant soil. THAF provides shoes and funding to both prevent and treat this disease.
Women & Children
Little or no access to health care means high mortality rates for mothers and their children. THAF provides funding for primary care, obstetrical services, and much needed gynecology surgery for Ethiopian women.
Mobility Aids
Most people with mobility challenges in Ethiopia have no access to prosthetic limbs, walking aids, or wheelchairs. THAF assists organizations that provide these devices. This allows children to attend school and be socially active.
Passing of Peter Smars (Chairman of the board of THAF)
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Peter Smars (Chairman of the board of THAF) on April 15, 2024.
Peter, a native of Sweden and graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine (82), worked in the Emergency Department at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN since completing his residency and fellowship there in the late 1980’s. In 2019 he underwent a successful Double Lung Transplant due to rapidly deteriorating lung function caused by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Following his lung transplant Peter regained his health and vitality, and when THAF’s founder, Dr. Larry Thomas, unexpectedly died in December 2020, Peter (a THAF board member since it’s foundation) took over as Chairman of the Board.
Peter had a passion for this work and experienced this as one of his ‘Life Callings’. Two years ago Peter developed a fungal lung infection that, despite eventual successful treatment, destroyed his transplanted lungs. His health care team at the Mayo Clinic listed him for another transplant, and on March 22 he received the highly anticipated call that a good organ-match had been found for him.
When I talked to him on the phone that evening he was well aware of the risks, yet felt fortunate to have been given this opportunity for another chance at life. Unfortunately there were unanticipated intraoperative complications that subsequently led to multi-organ failure, sepsis and his tragic death 3 weeks after his transplant. Peter is survived by his wife Miriam and 5 children.
His remarkable life was celebrated on May 5 in a beautiful memorial service in the Adventist Church in Dodge Center, MN. In attendance was his family, including his 5 siblings from Sweden, colleagues and staff from the Mayo Clinic, and a score of his many friends (including THAF board members).
Peter leaves behind a large void, but the Tropical Health Alliance Foundation will continue its work without any interruption. The Board of THAF has elected Geir Frivold, MD, MPH as their new Chair.
Peter’s family have suggested a gift to the THAF as an option in leu of flowers to Honor Peter’s memory.
Remembering Dr. Larry L. Thomas
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of THAF founder Dr. Larry L Thomas.
Larry’s virtual memorial service was held on Feb 13th at the Loma Linda University Church. If you’d like to watch the heart-felt tribute to our founder, please click the link below.
While Larry’s passing has left a hole in all the lives he touched, we want to reassure everyone that THAF’s work will continue for many years to come.
With your continued support we will continue to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Ethiopians just as Larry intended.
— Dr. Peter Smars & Henrik Jorgensen, THAF Board of Directors