Our Vision for Ethiopia

Call to Action:

Visual impairment is a critical public health crisis in Ethiopia, where over 1.2 million people live with blindness, and 2.7 million experience low vision. Alarmingly, nearly half of these cases are caused by preventable conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and infections like trachoma. These conditions disproportionately impact rural and underserved communities, exacerbating existing inequities.

The statistics are stark: Ethiopia has one of the highest global blindness rates, at 1.6%. An estimated 2.9 million people are at risk of losing their vision, with women, the elderly, and rural residents facing the greatest vulnerability. Trachomatous trichiasis (TT), an infectious cause of blindness, affects over 1.2 million Ethiopians and can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. TT is preventable and curable with access to proper medical care and antibiotics. Cataracts, another significant cause, account for nearly half of blindness cases and could be resolved through surgical intervention.

Despite the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, access to education and essential services for visually impaired individuals remains severely limited. According to the Ethiopian National Association of the Blind (ENAB), fewer than 5% of blind people in Ethiopia receive formal education. This lack of access creates barriers to intellectual growth, employment, and social participation, perpetuating cycles of dependency and marginalization.

The 2006 National Survey on Blindness, Low Vision, and Trachoma in Ethiopia highlighted urgent recommendations, including integrating vision care into public health programs, expanding infrastructure, and leveraging resources from organizations with established outreach practices. However, substantial gaps remain in addressing these needs at scale.

Our Response:

ADDIS Foundation for Community Health was founded in 2018 by Debrework Damte with a unyielding mission to tackle preventable blindness and bring life-changing healthcare to Ethiopia. Initially focused on combating preventable blindness, ADDIS Foundation for Community Health has expanded to now employ a more comprehensive approach that includes medical management, healthcare workforce training, and community health initiatives. By building healthcare capacity, hosting community health programming, and providing crucial resources like braille materials and white canes, the ADDIS Foundation for Community Health educates and empowers blind children and adults, ensuring that those affected by visual impairments are not left behind.

ADDIS Foundation for Community Health works to empower and supply individuals with the treatment and resources they need to lead independent lives. Cataract surgeries restore sight to those who had lost hope, while education initiatives equip visually impaired children with the tools to thrive academically. Every action is driven by the belief that healthcare and education are fundamental human rights. From training healthcare professionals to conducting diabetes screenings, ADDIS Foundation is shaping healthier, more resilient communities throughout Ethiopia.

At the core of the ADDIS Foundation for Community Health’s mission is the commitment to build sustainable solutions. By enhancing the skills of local healthcare workers, ADDIS Foundation is strengthening Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring long-term support for individuals affected by blindness. Having impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals, ADDIS Foundation for Community Health has offered not just sight, but hope for a better tomorrow. Every surgery saves a family from grief, every child with a braille book is a testament to the power of education, and every healthcare provider trained means a stronger future for Ethiopia.

The remarkable work of the ADDIS Foundation for Community Health would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated team and the invaluable support of our partners. We invite you to join us in this mission—whether through donations, partnerships, or advocacy. Your support will help us continue building a brighter, healthier and more empowered future for the people of Ethiopia.

ADDIS Foundation for Community Health is exempt from federal income tax under IRS 501(c)(3). All donations are tax-exempt as provided by law. 

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