In the heart of Gurage, Ethiopia, Fikir, 28, a dedicated biology teacher and loving mother of two boys, shares her journey battling the devastating effects of trachoma. Trachoma, an easily preventable bacterial eye infection, remains a significant cause of blindness in rural Ethiopia. Fikir’s experience with trachoma began at a young age, but it wasn’t until university that a friend noticed she had trachomatous trichiasis (TT), a condition where eyelashes turn inward as a result of repeat trachoma infections, causing excruciating pain and, if untreated, irreversible vision loss or blindness.
Fikir’s story is one of resilience and hope as she underwent surgery for her TT at the Worsherbe Health Center, thanks to the intervention of Orbis-trained health workers. Reflecting on her journey, Fikir shares poignant insights into the challenges she faced and her determination to overcome them.
“I have had repeated infections from trachoma since I was very young,” Fikir recounts. “I didn’t know this was bacteria or trachoma. It kept coming back.”
Despite the pain and discomfort caused by TT, Fikir persisted, finding solace in the support of her husband and her dedication to teaching biology to high school students. However, the disease’s impact extended beyond her own suffering, affecting her students and even her own children.
“Some of my students have had trachoma infection, but one of the tenth-grade students has already dropped out because of severe pain,” Fikir shares, highlighting the devastating consequences of untreated trachoma.
As a mother, Fikir’s concern for her children’s well-being is palpable. “Both of my boys are showing signs of redness and discharge,” she says. “I brought them to a health center already.”
Despite the challenges, Fikir remains hopeful for the future, eagerly anticipating the day when she can see without discomfort and when trachoma is no longer a threat to her community.
“After my stitches are removed, I am looking forward to being independent once again and seeing the bright light,” Fikir expresses with optimism. “I am very thrilled to get this service for free. I am very happy. I don’t want to see anyone suffer from this pain ever again, so I will be happy to see trachoma gone.”
Fikir’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of access to healthcare and the unwavering determination of individuals like her to overcome adversity and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
