Sitralla’s Story
Sitralla was born with a cleft lip and palate in the Amhara Region and is the third child in her family. Sitralla and her parents came to Selam General Hospital to seek treatment for her cleft condition.
Sitralla’s journey to treatment was not easy. She visited the hospital three times. The first time, when she was seven months old, she was unable to receive treatment because she was malnourished. Project Harar provided her with nutritional support, and she returned home to recover. By the second visit, when she was ten months old, she was again unable to undergo treatment due to a persistent cough. Finally, at thirteen months old, Sitralla was in good health and received her surgery at Selam General Hospital.
When Nigatu, the Programme Coordinator, provided nutritional support to Sitralla at Selam Hospital in April 2024, it marked the beginning of her recovery journey. By August 2024, Sitralla had gained strength, and her father accompanied her to the hospital again after she had completed her nutritional recovery.
Sitralla’s family shared their experience:
“She was seven months old when we first brought her to Selam General Hospital, but she was malnourished and couldn’t receive treatment. Project Harar gave her nutritional support, which brought about a great improvement in her condition. The second time we came, when she was ten months old, she had a cough and couldn’t undergo surgery. Now, at thirteen months, she is healthy, and we are so happy with the treatment she has received.”
Sitralla’s father added:
“We have worked hard to find a way to treat our child. Thanks to Allah and Project Harar, we remained determined, and now our daughter has received this amazing treatment. Before, when people saw Sitralla in public or in our community, they would say hurtful things. Some asked why she was born with this condition or what sin caused it. These comments made life difficult for us as a family, and there were times we avoided going to the mosque with her. But now, we are filled with gratitude. Thanks to Project Harar, Sitralla has been freed from her cleft, and we are so happy with the care and surgery she received.”
Sitralla and her mum and dad (right) before surgery.