This project will help 50 children in Ethiopia with severe facial deformities with our end-to-end service. These children are often stigmatized and bullied at school with many dropping out completely. A simple, low-cost operation will transform these children's lives - enabling boys and girls to take their place at school, to grow up alongside peers, and to have their own family. We enable those in the poorest regions of Ethiopia to access this vital treatment.
In rural Ethiopia many people living with facial deformities are unable to access medical support. This can result in them becoming marginalized from their own communities. People suffering from a facial disfigurement may be denied education, the opportunity to marry or even to get a job and earn a living. In a country where community is so important, being stigmatized for the way you look can be hugely detrimental to your way of life.
Our end-to-end service brings children from their rural homes to Addis Ababa for treatment. We provide them with transport, accommodation and medication. We are there after surgery too, ensuring that they rehabilitate and integrate back into their communities and schools. We also advocate within the community and local health services to spread knowledge, reduce stigma and improve social inclusion. This helps the children experience better health and social life.
This project will help 50 children receive life changing facial surgery. Immediately, this creates a healthier life and leads them to be more accepted in their communities. Educating local communities about facial conditions will help those in the future with similar conditions. Most likely, the children will attend and stay in school, and take part in community events.
