Blog Details

Sisaynesh Edashaw is a 17-year-old young woman. She was a Grade 10 student and a resident of Jawi Woreda in the Awi Zone of the Amhara Region. However, due to the conflict that erupted in her area, her school was completely destroyed, forcing her to leave her home and relocate to Debre Birhan.

Sisaynesh had been living bravely with HIV without taking her antiretroviral (ART) medication for a long time. Unfortunately, the security situation disrupted her education and cut her off from essential medical services, which significantly worsened her condition. For more than three years, she was unable to continue her education or find employment. This prolonged hardship pushed her into deep despair, to the point where she lost hope in life and even struggled with thoughts of self-harm.

After arriving in Debre Birhan, Sisaynesh was able to resume her ART treatment at Debre Birhan Comprehensive Referral Hospital. She also actively participated in the OTZ and psycho-social support programs provided by the hospital. In addition, she became a member of the Association of Young People Living with HIV. Through this program, she engaged in peer-to-peer learning on life skills, reproductive health, medication adherence, comprehensive HIV awareness, and social empowerment. These interventions were primarily supported by the Emmanuel Development Association, which continues to provide ongoing support.

While living independently in Debre Birhan and separated from her family, Sisaynesh faced another unexpected and severe challenge. She developed a serious medical condition affecting her respiratory system. The illness became so severe that it required long-term follow-up care at Debre Birhan Hospital. Due to the complexity of her condition and the need for specialized treatment, she was referred to Addis Ababa.

At this critical moment, the problem deepened. Neither Sisaynesh nor her family had the financial capacity to cover the medical expenses. Her family was already struggling with severe economic hardship and could not support the cost of her treatment.

Facing this overwhelming situation alone, Sisaynesh once again found herself tested by life. However, instead of giving up, she reached out to the Association of Young People Living with HIV and explained her situation. The association responded positively and, in collaboration with Emmanuel Development Association, mobilized the necessary support for her treatment.

Through this collaboration, 30,000 Ethiopian Birr was covered for her medical expenses. Sisaynesh was then referred to Addis Ababa, where she received the appropriate and life-saving medical care.

After a long hospital stay and countless challenges, Sisaynesh has now fully recovered and is in good health. Her hope for the future has been restored. Today, she continues her education like her peers, actively participates in all programs of the association, and has returned to a stable and healthy life.

Sisaynesh’s journey is not only a story of survival but also a powerful example for others. It clearly shows that when young people receive the right support at the right time, they can rise from despair to hope, overcome even the darkest circumstances, and grow into individuals who contribute positively to their community and country.