ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Kidney Dialysis Charity Organization yesterday held discussions with higher officials and relevant stakeholders on ways it can provide free kidney dialysis for patients.
Taking the growing prevalence rate of kidney disease as well as the shortcomings to cover medical expenses into account, the talks aimed at creating permanent solution for kidney patients. On the occasion, Solomon Assefa, Manager of the charity organization, highlighted on how they are planning to come up with lasting solution in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, and provide free kidney dialysis for all patients in the coming Ethiopian New Year.
In regards with creating a permanent stream of revenue/funds to the cause, various artists will be joining force with the organization. In collaboration with Ethio-telecom, artists are preparing to raise funds through the revenue collected from music that is used in caller ring-back tone, said Amanuel Yilma, a music composer and author.
He added that a yearly Kidney Patients Memorial Day is also amongst the plan that will be underway soon. The day is expected to be celebrated as a platform to raise awareness, raise funds and hold (music) concerts. Mentioning that the government along with the Media has become active participants of voluntary activities, Chairperson of the organization’s board, Samuel Yirga called on the public to play its role in every possible way.
Artist, film-director and the organization’s board member Anteneh Haile, for his part noted that the main objective of the event is to make the relevant stakeholders take part in mobilizing their employees so that kidney patients can get free kidney dialysis in all hospitals. As to him, many African countries provide free dialysis to kidney patients. “Taking those countries as an example, Ethiopia should follow their steps.”
Apart from the effort put to meet the objective, the program was also designed as a sensitizing platform for societies to prevent the disease. Solomon said, “Free kidney dialysis is being given at Zewditu and Menilik Hospitals. Currently, the charity organization along with BGI Ethiopia, insurance companies and banks, support about 93 people at a cost of about seven hundred thousand per month.
Managers of various organization, artists, poets, officials of Addis Ababa health bureau and other concerned bodies participated at the discussion. Ethiopian Kidney Dialysis charity organization was established eight years ago and has so far provided support for about 413 patients.
The Ethiopian Herald, September 4/2019
BY BETELHEM BEDLLU
