ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Kidney Dialysis Charity Organization said that more efforts should be exerted to protect vulnerable groups from COVID-19.
The organization, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is performing various activities to reduce the chance of kidney patients contracting the disease.
In an interview with the Ethiopian Herald, Solomon Assefa, General Manager of the Organization indicated that people with underlying health problems, such as chronic kidney disease, are at a higher risk for more coronavirus illnesses and complications.
Thus, the organization is working focusing on reducing the risk of exposure.
As part of the efforts, the organization has so far distributed around 300 liters of sanitizers, face masks and gloves for these vulnerable groups.
People with chronic kidney disease undergo dialysis two or three times per week. And the organization, in collaboration with supporters, has arranged free transportation services,” he added.
Ze-Lucy Meter Taxi and blue and white color mini taxis are providing free transportation for those dialysis patients and have obtained organization’s identification card.
Currently, nearly five thousand mini taxis are providing the service for those patients organized under the organization.
Appreciating health professionals serving under challenging circumstances and pressure, he mentioned that however few dialysis centers are costing patients too much. Everyone should take their situation in to account and help them in any way possible, he opined.
Given the fact that the coronavirus crisis in most sectors could end the fund raising for the dialysis and other activities of the organization, the General Manager urged the government and other parties to lend a helping hand for the organization in the activities it performs.
He also called on government and nongovernment institutions to mobilize their employees to support sufferers through contributing some amount of money from their monthly salary on regular basis.
Ethiopian Kidney Dialysis Charity Organization which is located in the premises of Zewditu Memorial Hospital is providing free kidney dialysis since its establishment, which is more than eight years, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald April 22/2020
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
