The centre of Addis Ababa was awash with sound and colour last weekend as thousands took to the start line for the Great Ethiopian Run. 40,000 people participated in what is Africa’s biggest road race. The event was set up by double Olympic champion Haile Gebrelassie in 2001 to promote tourism and raise money for charity. Many international charities take part in an effort to raise funds and one such group is Orbis Ireland, who were one of the largest international groups present with 55 people.
Orbis Ireland was established 7 years ago and is working in southern Ethiopia to eradicate trachoma, a condition that can cause blindness and can is preventable. 70% of people affected Gamo Gofa, Derashe and Konso, where the organization works.
However, they are making inroads into the problem, with a number of areas now being trachoma free according to WHO standards. This has been achieved through the use of the world health organisation guidelines, which are the SAFE principals. The acrynom stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness to avoid infection which leads to trachoma and environmental change, so things like clean water and sanitation. Last year, 2 million antibiotics were distributed and as well as fighting blindness, they also help with other conditions and ailements. There were between 7 and 8000 surgeries performed to save sight and reverse the eyelid from going inward. These surgeries are not performed by Orbis, but rather medics who have been trained by the group.
As would be expected of any capital, the most resources and facilities are present there but the level is still quite startling. We were given a tour of King Menelick II hospital and what I saw was a series of small single level buildings with very basic equipment and facilities. There is a 7 story building nearing completion that will improve the service, but currently, wards are dark and very basic with beds lining against the wall and little else in the room. It is more akin to a 1950s Irish hospital than 2014. The waiting room is covered with a corrugated iron roof and there is dust along the paths of the hospital. Despite the less than ideal conditions, some fantastic work is being carried out. A local woman spoke to us after having a tumor removed from behind her eye, a surgery that would not have been possible five years ago. This type of procedure would not have been possible five years ago, but due to improving standards, can happen today. There are challenges ahead, but there is a belief that the Vision 2020 goal of eliminating preventable blindness can be achieved.
Of course, many of the international visitors were there for the run, which took place in the third highest capital in the world. There were approximately 500 foreign competitors, many of who struggled with the altitude on what was a hilly and challenging course. While many of the roads were of low standard, the route offered the chance to see the built up and poverty stricken areas of the city. Wherever the road went however, there was singing and dancing and encouragement for all. The atmosphere at the finish line was one of jubilation as everyone enjoyed what is one of the most unique runs in the world.
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