Leprosy; children in Mabaan

Leprosy is endemic among the Mabaan, and those people groups living South and East of Mabaan County over toward Ethiopia. Decades ago, SIM treated hundreds of leprosy patients and maintained an active leprosy community in Doro. There has been no leprosy medication available, for perhaps 40 years now. Locating these patients, and arranging for the necessary medication, is one of our foremost challenges.

Despite poverty and hunger, the children retain their playful spirit and touch our hearts deeply. I am treating a sad little baby here on our Doro compound: Imma is 2 years old, and weighs less than 12 pounds. Our nursing staff is doing a wonderful job working with the families of such children, to bring them back to health.

Thanks for your partnership with us. Love, Rob and Nancy