The Barbara May Foundation opened a 22-bed maternity hospital in Bahir Dar in Ethiopia this month, to address the shortage of maternal health services in Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Barbara May Foundation general manager Jo Crowley said 500 women died during childbirth every day in the two countries.

“No woman should die in childbirth,” she said. “We’re aiming to prevent those maternal deaths.”

Councillor Garry Turland was involved in the construction of the hospital.

“It’s one of the most humbling experiences I’ve been involved with,” Councillor Turland said. “It was tenfold more of a reward than council.”

Barbara May Foundation chairman Michael Sharpe AO said the construction of the hospital was driven by the community, through monetary and in-kind donations.

“It’s now important we as a community support the ongoing work [of the hospital],” Mr Sharpe said. “We don’t charge for hospital [services].”

Ms Crowley said Sydney Local Health District and Sydney South West Local Health District contributed a large amount of money to the hospital.

“So many people have donated time, goods, resources and money,” she said. “They have been a part of a fantastic outcome.”

The hospital building cost about $500,000 and the medical equipment cost about $100,000.

The aim of the Barbara May Foundation is to provide access to professional maternal health care, train health providers in sound clinical skills and competency and drive the improvement of available facilities.

Visit www.barbaramayfoundation.com to donate.