Girma is a 40-year-old husband and father of two from the Oromia region of Ethiopia. For more than two decades, he has lived with the physical and emotional burden of podoconiosis (podo), a disease that causes pain and swelling in the feet and legs.
Girma recalled when the swelling began in his foot all those years ago, gradually worsening over time.
“My foot started to swell, and I began suffering from repeated acute attacks. It became a great concern for me and my family. Eventually, I heard about an IOCC health center providing treatment, so I decided to go there for help.”
Girma received treatment at an IOCC-supported health center in Addis Ababa, where he received care and ongoing instruction for dealing with his feet. This led to a remarkable improvement in his condition. Girma said, “After the treatment, the fungal infection and mossy lesions have completely healed, and I no longer experience acute attacks.”
Today, Girma has regained his health and confidence. With his ability to move freely, he has found work as a security guard, which helps him support his family and provide them with a more stable future.
