Durbete Patient Association calls the shots

Durbete is near Bahir Dar in Northern Ethiopia. It has a large number of podoconiosis patients. Dr Wendemagegn.

Head of the Dermatovenerology Department at Bahir BDU became aware of this community about a year ago. He is passionate about Ethiopia and the development of sustainability and keen to see the Ministry of Health (MoH) who have now recognised podoconiosis as a significant health issue, to take on management in a meaningful way.

Building on expertise from the International Orthodox Christian Church (IOCC) run Project in Debra Markos and helped by Abreham Tamiru, the local patients established a Podoconoisis Patient Association. This group organises the registration of all patients and manages the waiting list sending along about 20 each week to the newly set up clinic in Durbete Health Centre. Dr Wendemegegn visits each week and is supported by MoH nurse.

“It is such an encouragement to see this new clinic established by an enthusiastic local team using the health resources available and not relying on NGO funding. This must the
sustainable way forward for Podo in Ethiopia” Dr Claire Fuller