Amarech’s Story
At Gamby hospital this July, eight-month-old Amarech arrived accompanied by both of her parents. Her parents both work as farmers in Amhara and told us that they had never seen a cleft condition before it appeared on their child. Amarech’s father already had pre-existing health conditions, which made the news of their child’s condition even more troubling.
“I was the first to give birth to a child with cleft, and many people in our community believe that her condition was a punishment for our family’s wrongdoing. When I go to market and church, many people laugh at my daughter. Due to this reason, I always fear going to public gatherings and participating in social life. Sometimes it is difficult to help both my husband and my daughter and I am distressed with my family’s problems”
“Project Harar helped us and has given good treatment to my child. People talk badly of both my husband and my daughter, because of this, I am alone and separated from the chance of a social life. I am so excited about the treatment given to my child and all the Project Harar are doing. I hope my life will change for the better now.”