Care for the Sick Rejuvenates Life in Ethiopia

My name is Sr. Charity Nyawira Gathungu of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Holy Rosary (MSHR), and I serve as an administrator and healthcare provider at Wonji Catholic Medium Clinic in Ethiopia. Through ASEC’s Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The education and clinical training I received through the program strengthened my ability to assess complex cases, provide quality patient care, and respond effectively to the healthcare needs of my community.

One patient whose life was transformed through this work is Chala Birbo, a 13-year-old boy from Koka, a small town in central Ethiopia. Chala is the firstborn of five children and had lived for many years with an undiagnosed visual impairment that significantly affected his development, communication, and access to education.

At the age of three, Chala began to gradually withdraw from his peers and spoke less and less. His parents were unaware that he had partially lost his sight. During a one-week eye camp at a local hospital, they sought medical help and were advised that his condition would improve with time. Unfortunately, his vision continued to deteriorate, limiting his interaction with others and preventing him from enrolling in school.

Chala was later referred to Menelik Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for further evaluation and given an appointment three months later. During the waiting period, his eyesight worsened, increasing the risk of permanent visual impairment and further developmental delays.

Following the recommendation of a former client who had received successful treatment at Wonji Catholic Medium Clinic, Chala’s parents brought him to our clinic for evaluation. Drawing on the knowledge and clinical skills I gained through my nursing education, I conducted a comprehensive assessment and confirmed a diagnosis of developmental cataracts affecting both eyes. With a clear diagnosis, we were able to establish an immediate treatment plan and arrange the specialized care he urgently needed.

Chala underwent cataract extraction surgery, with the right eye operated on first and the left eye one week later. Both procedures were successful and resulted in a significant restoration of his vision. The emotional impact on the family was profound. After years of uncertainty and fear, Chala’s father was moved to tears of joy when he realized that his son could finally see clearly.

Beyond restoring sight, the treatment transformed Chala’s future. Two months after surgery, he enrolled in school for the first time in his life. With improved vision, his communication increased, his confidence grew, and he began actively engaging with teachers and peers.

Chala’s journey demonstrates the far-reaching impact of access to quality eye care. For me, it is also a testament to the power of education. The knowledge and skills I gained through ASEC’s HESA program enabled me to accurately assess his condition, facilitate the care he needed, and help change the course of his life. Today, Chala has the opportunity to learn, communicate, and pursue his potential. Stories like his reflect the mission of Wonji Catholic Medium Clinic—to restore sight, promote inclusion, and help children reclaim their right to education and a dignified future.

More impact stories