On May 14th, the outreach teams of Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia and St. Mary Catholic Primary Hospital traveled to Afama Mino Kebele, a village in Wolayta Zone, South Ethiopia, for a comprehensive day of community health services. By the time the sun set, 156 mothers and 56 schoolgirls had received life-changing care.
Mothers of children under five, along with pregnant and lactating women, gathered under the shade of the trees to attend health education. Cabrini Ministries team provided information on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), balanced diets and food groups, and the management of acute malnutrition. A cooking demonstration using locally available foods showed mothers how to turn simple ingredients into nutritious meals. Children were screened for malnutrition, and those in need were identified for further follow-up care.
Health Officers from St. Mary Hospital conducted screening for cervical cancer and uterine prolapse - two services rarely available in remote villages. Mothers received maternal health awareness, including the importance of antenatal care and child vaccination. One pregnant mother, waiting for her screening, said quietly, “I have never been checked for cancer. I did not even know it was possible here.”
While the mothers learned and received care, a separate session was held at Afama Mino Primary School for 56 adolescent girls aged 12 to 17. The focus was female genital mutilation (FGM). The facilitators, including Ms. Abysinia Akalu, a peer educator - explained what FGM is, its different types, and the severe physical and psychological consequences: bleeding, infection, chronic pain, childbirth complications, and depression. Most importantly, the girls were taught that FGM is not a religious requirement or a good culture. They left the session knowing that they have the right to say no. A 15-year-old student shared afterwards, “Now I know I can protect myself and I will tell my little sister.”
The success of the day was celebrated by all. Mr. Tariku Yohannes, CME Case worker, noted that reaching both mothers and girls in one day creates a double impact - the mothers are protected today, and the girls are empowered for tomorrow. Sr. Maureen, MSC Novice, expressed her gratitude to the health officers from St. Mary Hospital and to peer educator Ms. Abysinia Akalu for their tireless work. Ms. Alemtsehay Lioulseged and Ms. Tamenech Tadesse, the two Health Officers from the hospital, stayed until the last mother was screened.
By the end of the day, the team had screened for cancer and prolapse, identified malnourished children, taught nutrition, demonstrated cooking, raised awareness about FGM, and reminded families about vaccinations and antenatal care. All in one day. All in one remote kebele.
Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia and St. Mary Catholic Primary Hospital continue to walk together, bringing health and dignity to the most forgotten corners of Wolayta Zone, South Ethiopia. Days like this do not make headlines. But they change lives - one mother, one girl, one family at a time.
Thanks to sacredheartcabrini.org for this article!
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