Provide safe access to 25 cleft surgeries

Six-year-old Dawud comes from Ethiopia’s Somali Region. He was born with a cleft lip and palate which affected his ability to eat, speak, and communicate clearly from infancy. Living in a remote pastoral community, his family had little access to specialised healthcare and did not know that treatment was available.

As Dawud grew older, the challenges extended beyond his physical condition. His facial difference and unclear speech attracted unwanted attention from other children. Some pointed at him, laughed or refused to play with him, leaving Dawud feeling isolated and embarrassed. Rather than joining in with other children, he often kept to himself and relied on the comfort of his family. Watching their son become increasingly withdrawn was heartbreaking for his parents, who felt powerless to help.

Everything changed when Project Harar’s community case-finding activities reached Dawud’s home town. Through Project Harar’s partnership with local health workers, he was identified and referred for specialist treatment. With support from Project Harar, Dawud and his family were able to travel the 200km from their community to receive free cleft surgery, an opportunity they never believed would be possible.

The surgery has transformed Dawud’s life. His repaired cleft lip has restored not only his appearance but also his family’s hope for the future. He is now more confident and smiles more freely than before. His family looks forward to his continued care including treatment for his cleft palate which will further improve his speech, and overall wellbeing.

Dawud’s journey is a powerful reminder of the barriers faced by children living in remote areas of Ethiopia. Without support, many chiildren like him would remain hidden, living with a treatable condition that affects every aspect of their lives.