Aklil’s Story

Aklil, who was born with a cleft lip in Amhara, travelled to Selam Hospital with his mother in November 2024 for treatment for his cleft condition. Aklil is 3 years old and is the first child in the family with a cleft condition. As a result of having a child with such a condition, his mother told us how they no longer attend church or have a social life. 

‘Before hearing about Project Harar we did not seek treatment for Aklil’s condition because we knew we didn’t have enough money. We heard about the organisation from our Health Extension worker when we told her about Aklil’s condition.’ 

Upon his arrival to Selam hospital, Aklil had a blood test to check the condition of his health and was able to receive the surgery to correct his cleft lip. Aklil’s mother informed Project Harar of how his condition is often questioned and people often asked her the sin she had committed for her son to have such a condition.  

‘Many people don’t want to visit us because of our son and this lack of socialising isolates us even further. Receiving cleft surgery is so important for these children here, not only because it improves their overall health, but it also improves their social lives by alleviating stigma and allowing them to make friends in their communities. The service that Project Harar has given us has freed Aklil from this burden.’  

Aklil’s mother went on to thank Project Harar saying that she hopes the work continues helping others in rural settings where stigma around cleft conditions is more common.  

Aklil, pictured on the right, after his cleft surgery.