OHSU Archives - Joni Kabana PhotographyJoni Kabana Photography

Worldwide Fistula Foundation: TERREWODE and OHSU

I recently completed two projects for the Worldwide Fistula Foundation, documenting work they support.

Oregon Health & Sciences University performs and teaches prolapse surgery in the northern Tigray region of Ethiopia. My imagery helps to promote their work and attract donors to their cause. The project was founded by Dr. Rahel Nardos, an Ethiopian woman who came to the US during the time of the Derg and studied to become a urogynecologist.

TERREWODE is an organization that helps fistula survivors re-integrate back into village life. I have collected various types of content for edited videos, promotional materials, donor engagement activities and guest blog publication.

I love working in a way that engages what I call the “spindle effect”, where many people collaborate and the end result touches a variety of individuals and organizations. Nothing pleases me more than to be a part of a system rather than have my name be front and center.

February 17 Lecture Scheduled With OHSU/Everywoman’s Health

On February 17 I will be giving a presentation with Dr. Renee Edwards and Dr. Rahel Nardos (both from OHSU) and Dr. Philippa Ribbink (Everywoman’s Health) about medical efforts in Ethiopia. Marylhurst University, 7pm.

More info here.

Oregon Health & Science University: Center For Women’s Health

Our maternal health project in Ethiopia has been listed on the Oregon Health & Science University’s Center For Women’s Health website.

OHSU Lecture: Humanitarian Photography

I will be giving a lecture on Humanitarian Photography on April 21 a 7:00pm at Oregon Health & Sciences University’s Center For Women’s Health.

Here is a link to sign up. Seating is limited, so registration is required.

Humanitarian Photography Lecture

Ethiopia: A Fusion Of Cultures

Dr. Rahel Nardos moves calmly down the aisles of the ward, smiling and touching the arms of patients. Growing up in Addis Ababa, Rahel earned a scholarship to attend the American School. She set off to America to get her undergraduate degree, and soon was sitting in a classroom at Yale, enrolled in medical school. Her work is becoming more refined as a urogynocologist as a fellow at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU).

Rahel is devoted to her country, and feels a strong desire to return in some way to help women’s health in rural settings. She is writing a proposal so that OHSU might start sending a rotation of doctors to Gimbie Hospital. We all have high hopes that this proposal will go through. The women of Ethiopia and the medical staff at Gimbie will benefit, and the OHSU students will increase their knowledge by working with pathologies rarely seen in the United States.

Rahel worked day and night at Gimbie Hospital, long after the other doctors retired for the night. Most importantly, she connected with the women via hope and understanding.

We are in awe of you, Rahel, and hope to be a part of your journey.

(See extremely tired Rahel dancing to Madagascar’s Olombelo Ricky’s music here.)