By Diane Weatherup | Development Director
Shemsedin is a farmer from southern Ethiopia. He watched his parents and grandparents lose their sight due to trachoma, and, at that time, nothing could be done to help them.
As Shemsedin explains: “In the past, our parents struggled with their vision because of trachoma. Most of us have some family members who lost their eyesight.”
Shemsedin’s generation, and that of his 11-month-old daughter, have been spared the same fate through the educational efforts of Orbis.
Orbis provide the necessary medicine and treatment within his village.
In December 2020, Shemsedin and his daughter, Hamdia, received the antibiotic to prevent trachoma infection during Orbis’s house-to-house mass drug administration programme. They were just two of almost a million people who received the drug in the area.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new health challenges to this community. However, thanks to the hygiene education and initiatives put in place by Orbis, Shemsedin feels more prepared for tackling trachoma and Covid-19.
We’re only able to continue reaching people like Shemsedin and Hamdia, particularly amid the pandemic, thanks to the incredible support we receive.
Thank you for supporting Orbis through these uncertain times.
By Clare O'Dea | Vice-Chair Orbis Ireland
By Kate McGrath | Content Creation Intern
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