Lalmba conducts outreach clinics far into the Ethiopian rainforest. These journeys are not just a trek across rugged terrain, but a venture into the heart of human resilience and emphasize the reason Lalmba is needed in these remote communities. Recently one of our volunteers, Maria, experienced one such tragic situation.

Our small-but-mighty outreach team, consisting of an expatriate nurse and three Ethiopian staff, had come across a family with a feverish toddler. Maria quickly assessed that this was a serious situation and found herself surprised at her stern tone of voice when she insisted that the tiny child be brought to our clinic – straight away. The mother’s eyes darted between Maria and Aynalem, our RCAR social worker, as they explained the risks of untreated malaria. She wiped at the small band of sweat beads forming on the child’s tiny forehead. The fever was too high. They explained that the symptoms indicated malaria. Her child had to get a malaria test from our lab and start receiving treatment quickly. She nodded and agreed to bring her sick child to the clinic, but only after her husband returned from working in a village two days away.

It was difficult to leave the feverish child with her mom and siblings, but our outreach team had many families to visit. For families with children under the school age, a home visit is the only way to see them. Our volunteer, RCAR social worker, public health nurse, and guard spent hours that day navigating through the muddy trails and steep terrains. The homes they visited were smoky and poorly lit, with thatched roofs and mosquito-infested shadows. But it’s in these homes where the true spirit of community shone. Nominated by caring neighbors for Lalmba’s RCAR assistance, each family welcomed our team with open arms. Then, following a checklist, our staff asked questions and discussed how they are all doing.

Our team encouraged each family they visited to prevent sickness by using clean water, practicing hygiene, and eating nutritious meals daily. They reminded them that Lalmba’s clinic is within walking distance and advised them to come to our clinic for free treatment any time they are sick. Sadly this message is sometimes met with skepticism of modern medicine and disbelief that it is truly free.

That afternoon, as our outreach team began the long trek out of the lush green rainforest back to the village of Agaro Bushi, Maria’s thoughts were with that toddler with malaria. She hoped they would come soon, but sadly, later that week, the whole team shared in the deep sorrow of the mother who finally arrived at the clinic, too late for her feverish child to recover.

As I later spoke with Maria, her voice quivered, reflecting on the what-ifs. Malaria cases are on the rise in this region of Ethiopia and sadly toddler “Jane Doe” died of this treatable disease. But our resolve is unwavering. At Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic, and working with our European partner SAED, we see daily successes and we are making strides in educating the community through our public health initiatives. We are here, at “the end of the road” walking alongside each family, sharing in their struggles and triumphs.

We won’t lose hope, there are many patients treated at Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic, and thousands who are learning from our public health initiatives. We will continue visiting, teaching, listening, and engaging with the community we serve. Your support is integral to our journey. Together, we can continue to bring hope and change. Thank you for partnering with us and enabling us to continue this lifesaving and life-changing work.