As part of the ongoing programme implementation since June, 2025, the CDT Africa Research Team visited multiple study sites in the Sodo district and Butajira. During these visits, the team held several meetings with key stakeholders, particularly service users and carers. The meetings brought together patients, caregivers, health care providers, local health officials, health extension workers, and community representatives. The discussions included updates on the ongoing implementation of the integrated holistic chronic wound management and sharing experiences. The visit served as a platform for learning, sharing, and strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders involved in patient care. Building on these experiences, future activities will continue to focus on strengthening caregiver support, enhancing follow-up services, and promoting community awareness for improved health outcomes. Additionally, qualitative studies, both focus group discussions and indepth interviews were conducted.
Lived Experiences Shared: Patients opened-up about their personal journeys of living with chronic wounds speaking about the physical pain, emotional challenges, and moments of strength they have experienced. Their stories reminded everyone of the importance of compassionate and continuous care and resilience.
Caregiver and patient support group discussions:
Caregivers shared their vital role in supporting patients through long and difficult treatment processes. The discussion provided space to reflect on the daily challenges they face and the need for continued guidance and emotional support. The session also included testimonials and success stories from patients whose wounds have healed. Their testimonies inspired hope among others who are still undergoing wound management, showing that recovery is possible with consistent care and mental health support. The visits were held from June 26th to 29, 2025 and from September 15th to 19th, 2025.
Community Engagement
The community engagement activities were initially integrated with the local Measles vaccination campaign, during which health professionals provided education to community members about the ongoing effort to improve access to holistic wound care services at the health facilities. Additional engagement was facilitated during the visit at Tiya Health Centre and Anati and Fulae Kebele. The Kebele meetings were facilitated by the community health workers (health extension workers) and were held on 15th July 2025 and 29th August 2025, respectively.
