World NTD Day: Ruth and Yeabsera’s Story of Hope

In Ethiopia, Four-year-old Yeabsera is already a little explorer. Since starting nursery, his curiosity and eagerness to learn have shone through, even as he has struggled with the pain in his eyes. His older sister, Ruth, six, is a very kind and calm girl who loves helping to care for him.

Their mother, Aseter Fayso, describes them as her “blessings” and the light in her household.  Raising seven children while keeping her family afloat with the incredibly skilled and demanding craft of mesh weaving hasn’t been easy, but she’s met every obstacle with quiet strength and unwavering determination.

Yeabsera and Ruth’s constant eye irritation and discomfort have made it a frightening time for the family. Hoping to bring them some relief, Aseter turned to traditional remedies, doing everything she could - but the children’s symptoms never went away.

Trachoma is a preventable neglected tropical disease that, if untreated, can cause blindness. Early access to eye care in low-resource communities is vital to protect children and families from permanent vision loss.

With support from Orbis, health workers visited the family, screened everyone, confirmed the diagnosis as trachoma, and provided essential ointments.

“Although it breaks my heart to see them in pain, I am grateful for the medical support and determined to follow all the advice provided,” says Aseter.

Thanks to this timely care, Ruth and Yeabsera can begin treatment that will protect their sight and give them the chance to learn, play, and grow without the threat of permanent eye damage.

Her dreams for her children are clear: she hopes Yeabsera will become a doctor and Ruth will work in government service. With treatment underway, their futures now feel possible.