Transforming lives in Ethiopia

Asegedch’s transformation

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Asegedch spent over five years without any sight in her right eye. After surgery, her vision is expected to return to normal

“Before you stepped in to help, my life was incredibly tough.”

Asegedch has been supported by Support for Children, Women and Older People (SCWOP) for 18 years. She says her life before SCWOP stepped in to help was incredibly tough. She had previously worked as a domestic servant, but had to leave due to illness. This meant she was left with little to no money to support her family.

Asegedch’s husband and six of her seven children had all died, and she and her only surviving son were too unwell to work. Asegeddch survived on eating just one meal of bread and water. Her health deteriorated rapidly and she developed hypertension due to malnutrition.

Brighter days ahead

Although life is not easy for Asegedch, things are definitely improving. When we met Asegedch earlier in March, she had just returned from having cataract surgery. She had a bandage over her right eye, but was walking well when we helped her out of the car and to her house.

Before the cataract surgery, Asegedch spent over five years without any sight in her right eye. But now, her vision is expected to return to normal completely – something which has truly transformed her life.

The medical costs for Asegedch were £125. This includes initial assessment, cataract removal and aftercare costs. There are still many elders in SCWOP’s care who need medical attention – some can be treated simply with eye drops, others with more complex surgery.

With your help, we can ensure these elders live more comfortably.

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