A Journey to Sasso: Aid and Hope in Strife-Torn Ethiopia
Instead of Ukraine and Gaza, the hotspots of conflict spring to mind when discussing warfare. Yet, a long-lasting and brutal struggle ravaged the northern Ethiopian region of Afar, leading to the loss of up to 700,000 lives.
A Desolate Road to Hope
A crude, rutted path forms the only link between the world and the remote village of Sasso, a cluster of modest huts. The stark, arid landscape of the Afar region in Ethiopia has long endured droughts and remains barren. It's the region where more children die before their fifth birthday than in any other part of the country.
Nura's Heartrending Story
This desolate setting has left families stranded, awaiting help for years. Despite the guns falling silent for nearly a year, following the brutal attacks on villages by rebels from nearby Tigray, international aid has not made its way to Sasso. Old childhood diseases, such as measles and rubella, are resurfacing.
The young girl Nura (9) welcomes Anna Loos, a visitor from Germany. She's eager to share her home and the harsh realities of her life. Nura's dwelling, composed of scanty branches and twigs, offers bare minimum shelter. A thin layer of foil serves as its roof. Within it, a worn mat signifies the family's resting space, and a sooty fireplace burns for warmth.
Trauma's Long Shadow
When conflict reached Sasso, Nura, her siblings, and mother fled for safety. Her father chose to protect the village. Tragically, when the gunfire ended just 200 meters away from their home, he succumbed to a hail of bullets. Although time has passed, the children continue to bear the scars of their past's brutality.
The Compassionate Nurse
Valerie Browning, a 73-year-old Australian nurse with 50 years' experience in Ethiopia, is virtually the only reason why Sasso remains inhabited. Her aid organization, APDA, ensures that aid reaches those most in need. For families like Nura's, she's a beacon of hope.
Life-Saving Vaccines
With the backing of Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe Germany, APDA launched a program aimed at providing medical assistance to children. Like magic, medical teams arrive on camels, armed with a highly potent vaccine that safeguards against ten diseases, including measles and whooping cough, for a mere five euros per child.
A New Leaf
Saving a Child for Five Euros
Devoted to the children of Sasso, Anna Loos underscores the impact that five euros can make, potentially saving a life in the process.
Inspiring Action
In the face of this crisis, the aid project in Ethiopia serves as a beacon of hope for the stricken population.
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The Necessity of Help
To contribute to the aid programs supporting children's medical care and vaccinations in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia, consider the following options:
- UNICEF: Although voluntarily funded, donations from private contributors are vital in bridging funding gaps for projects in regions like the Afar region. Support UNICEF programs that include child immunization and maternal and child health services[1].
- EU's CARE4Health Project: In collaboration with UNICEF, the European Union-backed CARE4Health project aims to improve health systems in conflict-affected regions, such as the Afar region. You can donate to EU's humanitarian efforts to support maternal, child, and adolescent health services[2].
- Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance: Gavi is dedicated to rolling out vaccines against diseases, like malaria, in several countries, including Ethiopia. Although the primary focus is on malaria, these projects indirectly benefit children by strengthening overall health services[3].
- Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supplies Agency: This local agency relies on contributions from the Ethiopian diaspora to distribute medications and medical supplies to health facilities across Ethiopia. Although not specific to the Afar region, donations can help bolster the national health infrastructure, providing indirect aid to children in need[4].
To support these initiatives, visit their respective websites and follow their donation instructions.
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