The state is involved in

Podo e.V. informs since 10 years in western Ethiopia on podotoiosis and supports affected people in self-treatment. More than 15.000 People were thus reached by self-help groups. That sounds neat and we are proud of our results, however, unfortunately it is only 1% of those affected in the country!

Podo e.V. works in Ethiopia under the umbrella of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). The self-help groups include all people in a community, have swollen feet, as well as the staff of the national health centres.. Often no interest was shown by the state employees, which is primarily for financial reasons. Since 10 years podo e.V.. in Ethiopia therefore without state cooperation on the move.

With a project funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, experience in the fight against podo is to be passed on to state authorities. For this purpose, a county with 250.000 People selected, in which the Mekane Yesus Church runs a clinic. Here, too, interest in cooperation is rather subdued, perhaps also made more difficult by the many preparations for the Corona pandemic. But there is an ally at the district level. He has pledged his support.

At the beginning of December, meetings were held for 4 Counties carried out. Employees of the school, Health- and social authority were invited. They also asked those affected for information about the widely unknown disease. In the end, plans were made, how they want to engage themselves in the future.