Podoconiosis | Damenech’s story
16th September 2024
Damenech is 26 years old and has lived with podoconiosis for most of her life.
Transforming lives in Ethiopia
Transforming lives in Ethiopia
Photo © Kelly Anne Smith
Podoconiosis (podo) is a chronic devastating and disfiguring disease of the lower legs and feet, a type of elephantiasis. This non-infectious neglected tropical disease is caused by direct exposure to irritant minerals found in fertile volcanic red clay soil, which covers one-fifth of Ethiopia. Prolonged exposure to these harmful minerals causes severe swelling, constant pain, and deformity of the lower limbs.
For communities who live, work and farm the land barefoot, daily contact with the soil is unavoidable. Right now, men, women and children are at risk from the very ground they rely on to survive. A staggering 15 million people in Ethiopia are vulnerable to contracting podoconiosis.
Will you help us reach more people and prevent this devastating disease?
Our partner Action on Podoconiosis and Integrated Development Organisation (APIDO) works in communities educating people on prevention, treatment and self-care. They are:
Training local health workers to manage and prevent podo.
Providing self-care kits: a washing bowl, soap, Vaseline and ointment can significantly reduce symptoms and alleviate pain.
Making specialist shoes in local workshops. Without these, people whose feet and legs are so severely swollen would have no way of protecting themselves from the soil.
Raising awareness of prevention, spreading the message of the causes and symptoms. This reduces stigma, promotes early detection and encourages people to seek care.
Creating long-term change: APIDO’s sustainable approach can be replicated within each community with your support, to eradicate podo.
Please donate today to help restore confidence, independence and communities for those who need it most.
Manjore lives with his wife and children. Both Manjore and his wife developed the disease when they were around 12 years old.
He told us that in his area those with podo are considered the lowest class in the community and are poorly treated.
Manjore received specialist support to manage his symptoms, and custom-made shoes from our partner APIDO.
Manjore now has the role of patient leader in his community. There are 26 people in his village with podo and he ensures that they meet up regularly to support each other, share updates and access the care they need.
Damenech is 26 years old and has lived with podoconiosis for most of her life.
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Health centres destroyed by conflict In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the healthcare system is struggling to recover from the aftermath of the conflict. Many
We raise funds for local Ethiopian charities to transform lives and achieve lasting change.
Our partners know the context and solutions; we listen and provide appropriate support. Growth and development are tracked in local communities using robust monitoring and evaluation. Partnerships continue as long as there’s a clear need and opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Our vision – an Ethiopia in which every person has access to quality education, healthcare and a life of dignity.
Our mission – breaking the cycle of poverty by enabling the poorest and most vulnerable and their communities to live with dignity, to build resilience and achieve real and sustainable solutions to the challenges they face.
