Feredawek (Fred) Gettu (35), a Facilitator/Driver helps Ashakos Ali, an elderly Somali lady from her home in Addis into his ambulance to transport her to hospital for treatment with her daughter Zamzam.
They had to flee their village in Somalia in 2007 after fighting broke out between rival clans and spent 6 months in Aw Barre refugee camp before being medically referred to Addis for treatment. They have been in Addis for 6 years receiving assistance from DICAC with 6 family members.
Before treatment she couldn’t walk and had to be taken around in a wheelbarrow but now she is much better.
She said, ‘We are really indebted to DICAC. We just call and they pick us up and help us. We are most grateful, thank you.’
The drivers deliver equipment, pick up prescriptions and transport patients to clinics as well as any other requests the refugees have.
For many refugees DICAC are their only contact and support in Ethiopia on a regular basis and the long term patients build up strong bonds with the drivers and social workers.
Act for Peace supports Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission (DICAC) in providing access to health services to refugees who have to be moved to Addis Ababa in order to deal with health concerns that cannot be adequately treated in the more rural refugee camps. The support provided includes assistance with medical expenses, emergency transport, supplementary dietary requirements and housing.