Emahoy, a 62-year-old woman from Ethiopia, lives and serves her local church community as a nun, taking part in the many services and ceremonies. To support herself, she leases a plot of agricultural land which she owns.
Like many in the region, Emahoy had contracted podoconiosis, a painful disease causing swelling of the feet and legs. Grappling with this disease for almost 30 years, she recalled how much suffering she endured at the beginning: “I was unable to wear shoes because of my legs’ constant swelling. And I had painful feet and regular fevers, which used to happen at least three times a month.”
Fortunately for Emahoy, one of IOCC’s initiatives in the area is to train religious and community leaders on how to treat podoconiosis or “podo.”
Regarding her own treatment, Emahoy said, “One day, a community health worker persuaded me that the illness could be cured and urged me to go to a nearby health center. I ultimately received treatment from a health center supported by IOCC. I was taught the value of wearing shoes and the appropriate way to wash my feet by the health center nurse, and I have been doing what she suggested—soaking my feet in water and salt—ever since. I feel better now, I wear shoes every day, and I no longer experience fever attacks. In addition to assisting the church, I take part in social activities. I sincerely appreciate IOCC’s assistance.”
