COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Ethiopia

We first met Gebre at an Orbis-supported health centre in the Gurage region of Southern Ethiopia. He had travelled to have an eye screening as he was having severe problems with his eyes. 

Gebre lived in a nearby village with his wife and two of his seven children. Before the trouble with his eye sight, Gebre sold local fabrics, which are used to make traditional dresses and scarfs. Gebre’s wife works in the home looking after the two children. 

Unfortunately, in September 2020, Gebre was forced to give up his job when his eyesight worsened. As time passed he was getting increasingly worried about his eye sight and ultimately his family.  

In his desperation, Gebre started farming. However, farming was also very challenging, but he was desperate to do something to support his family. So he struggled on. 

Gebre says, “When I heard about the service being provided by Orbis at this health centre, I did not think twice. I needed to come to find a solution.”  

Gebre had cataracts in both eyes.  

The Orbis-trained integrated eye care worker conducted a simple surgery on both eyes. The day after his surgery, when the bandages were removed, there was a remarkable improvement to his vision.

He said: “I can see clearly now. I regret not coming to this health centre earlier. If God wills, I will take some break until my eye get stronger, and then I’ll go back to work!” 

Since March 2020, Orbis has been working hard to adapt to Covid-19 restrictions to ensure we can continue to reach those at risk of blindness. Thanks to your support, we will continue to save the sight of people like Gebre, to ensure they (and their famillies) are not forced into a life of poverty. 

Thank you!