Yantule and Undene live in the Daramalo district of southern Ethiopia, where red clay soil, rich in irritant minerals, covers the ground. Both Yantule and Undene work on the land, they are both mothers and had both been living in isolation and pain due to podoconiosis.
Podoconiosis (podo) is a form of elephantiasis, caused by exposure to irritant minerals found in fertile volcanic red clay soil covering one fifth of Ethiopia. Around 1.5 million people in Ethiopia are living with podoconiosis, many in social isolation and extreme pain.
Yantule
Yantule is a mother of six children, she lives in a rural community where survival depends on daily labour and physical strength. Yantule, like many around her, worked for decades on the land barefoot, not realising that this would have a devastating impact on her health.
For more than twenty years, Yantule had been living with the painful symptoms of podo. As the disease worsened, she could no longer farm, walk to the local market or care for her family. Reaching a health centre became almost impossible, and she felt isolated by the pain and stigma.
"It felt like sand was invading my legs, and my skin became hard like a tree trunk...People avoided me"
Everything began to change when health workers visited her community and introduced her to our partner, APIDO (Action on Podoconiosis and Integrated Development Organisation).
Through the support provided by APIDO and her local health centre, Yantule received custom-made shoes, soap, and ointment along with practical training on foot care.
Now, Yantule, with her painful symptoms eased, can move more freely and take care of herself and her family.
"This support has changed my life from constant pain and suffering to a life of hope and better health"
Undene
Undene has also worked on the land for decades to support her ten children. For over 30 years, Undene experienced sudden, intense pain, fever and physical changes to her feet due to podo. She faced stigma from her community, leading her to self-isolate. For decades, her life felt uncertain and over-shadowed by fear.
It wasn’t until a friend found out about APIDO’s project that Undene learned of the support available for people just like her – people living in pain and isolation.
After visiting a local health centre, Undene was introduced to our partner, APIDO. Like Yantule, Undene received the treatment and support she needed, including counselling. Undene is now able to manage her condition and regain her confidence one step at a time.
"I am now with my children, getting my life back again. God bless all who helped me come out of the darkness and see the light again."
With your support, our partner APIDO are doing all they can to eradicate podoconiosis.
Despite the successes so far, there are so many more people like Yantule and Undene who need APIDO’s support.
You can help APIDO continue their life-transforming work and reach more people living in pain.
With thanks to Kelly for featured header image © Kelly Anne Smith
