AnAidWorker

I went out with a group of health workers in Mille district of Afar region for vaccination campaign. We started early morning to go to Gafura village. We camped at the village head house. After drinking our morning tea with lots of sugar, we head out to start our work. I was warned that the houses are scattered around more than 50 mile rediance. We walked through the volcanic rock in scroching sun to reach first set of houses. Hamu Musa, Mohammed Ahmed and Ahmed Ali got right in to work. I wached them going house to house looking for children under 5. They finished their work with their skillful hand. Once finished with the houses they headed out for the next set of village. “This is the most difficult part of our job. People are pastoralist. They move a lot. You think people are there. But once you are there, you can find only few house,” said Musa.

Once we finished the day covering almost more than 10 miles, 50 children vaccinated, we headed out to the villagehead house in the evening. We ate our share of bread and milk and head to bed. Ahmed Ali sat with few ill of the village, giving them advise on their illness. I fell sleep without knowing.

Next morning they all were up and ready. They are going to find another set of houses behind the mountain picking on the horizon. It was time for me to go back to town.  I bid my farewll to them.  On my way back on the car, I looked back and saw them disappearing behind the mountain. They will carry on for another next 9 days, ensuring every children are vaccinated in the area.