KENAKET’S STORY
Seven-month-old Kenaket, arrived at Ambo Referral Hospital with her parents seeking cleft lip treatment. Kenaket lives with her parents in the Oromia region in the Kellem Welega zone. Kenaket’s mother shared her experience, describing the initial shock and upset that she felt when Kenaket was born with a cleft condition.
Kenaket’s mother says, “When I gave birth to a child with a cleft lip, it was depressing; I really cried, I was shocked because I had not seen a child with a cleft lip in my family and community before.”
She then expressed her happiness and gratitude for the treatment her child received, emphasising that Kenaket’s health condition has improved significantly after the surgery.
“People say a lot of bad things about my baby. When I walk around carrying my baby people ogle at her. I often feel discomfit and judgement, making me want to stay inside and avoid public gatherings.”
She thanks Project Harar for providing excellent services, acknowledging the compassionate and attentive care they received. Kenaket’s mother also highlighted the support they received: transportation cost and food were provided free of charge.
Baby Kenaket one day after surgery.
“I feared the lies people said about my child and didn’t want people to visit me either because they spread rumours. These kinds of remarks really stressed me out. As a result, I used to hide in my house.”