On January 25, Ethiopia, and the world, lost a treasured advocate and leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS: Samuel Tadesse.
Samuel, who discovered he was HIV positive in 2004, turned his diagnosis into action, founding the Debre Mitmaq Association at the Tsadkane holy water well. The Association is a partnership between the Orthodox Church and secular efforts to encourage antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those infected. It is a crucial alliance that has resulted in a shelter providing HIV testing, counseling, ART, and care for more than 1,300 people. More than that, it is a community of love, support, and rehabilitation. Read more about Samuel’s work with I-TECH at the Tsadkane holy water well.
Samuel Tadesse — and his enthusiasm, selflessness, and determination — will be greatly missed.
The following video was created by Theo Angell and Maria Gargiulo during a February 2011 visit to the well:
Ethiopia- Debire Mitimak – More than Holy Water from Theo Angell on Vimeo.