OBSA’S STORY

Obsa, a 7-month-old child, came to Asosa General Hospital to receive cleft lip surgery. He was accompanied by his father his mother, and his sister. The family, who are farmers, live in Asosa Town. Obsa is the fourth child of his parents.

The mother shared her experience of having a child with a cleft lip and how her husband’s family did not want her or the child back in their home because they thought it would be a burden to them and change their public image.

She also said, “I was initially shocked but accepted it as a gift from God. My husband’s family rejected us due to perceived shame. We faced community stigma, supported only by my husband and a kind neighbour.”

And Obsa’s father shared, “I was sad when I found our our child was born with a cleft lip. It was very challenging to see the child with this condition. Feeding a child with a cleft lip is also very difficult. We tried as much as we could to address these problems, but we were not successful.”

"Today, we are very happy with the treatment our child has received at this hospital. Not only our child but also our entire family has been treated well. We can now live in our community without fear. We want to thank Project Harar Ethiopia for giving us this opportunity."

- Obsa’s Father

“Not only our child but also our entire family has been treated well. We can now live in our community without fear.”

Obsa’s Father