KnowTheGlow (KTG) had the privilege of attending the 2025 COECSA Congress in Ethiopia, represented by Ruth Ngaruiya, KTG Program Manager for Africa, and Pemijie Gadimoh, KTG Global Student Ambassador. KTG partnered with Alliance Mondiale Contre le Cancer (AMCC) to host a joint booth during the congress. Together with Dr. Karim Assani, Retinoblastoma Manager for AMCC, the teams worked closely to create an engaging space that highlighted the mission of both organizations in tackling childhood blindness and cancer.
Throughout the congress, KTG and AMCC welcomed doctors, students, and delegates to the booth, sharing about their global awareness efforts, partnerships, and impact. A special highlight was finally meeting in person many doctors the KTG team had only previously engaged with virtually. It was inspiring to connect face-to-face with leaders such as Dr. Sadik Teju Sherief, Dr. Purnima Rajkarnikar, Dr. Rebecca Lusobya, Dr. Pius Mwanja, Dr. Mandefro Sintayehu, Dr. Kumale Tolesa, Dr. Bezawit Tadegagne, Dr. Simon Arunga who is the incoming COECSA President, Dr. Bernadetha Shilio, Dr. Lucy Njambi, Dr. Kahaki Kimani, Dr. Gladys Atto, Dr. Ciku Mathenge and many others. The booth also became a vibrant networking space where representatives from organizations including Light For The World Ethiopia, Fred Hollows- Ethiopia, CBM,Cure Blindness, Seva through Njoki Wachira and Arun Kumar, and Tanzaneye led by Rynner Linuma and Dr. Erick, stopped by to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.
One of the most exciting activities during the three-day congress was the Retinoblastoma Awareness Video Challenge organized by KTG and AMCC. More than 50 participants submitted creative 30-second videos aimed at spreading awareness about retinoblastoma. After a highly competitive selection process, Dr. Alice Lisa Ouma, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Lighthouse for Christ Eye Center, emerged as the winner. She will receive a fully sponsored trip to the 2026 COECSA Congress in Uganda including registration, accommodation, and airfare.
Having Ermias Kibreab, KTG Ethiopia Ambassador and retinoblastoma parent, present at the booth was a powerful addition. Ermias is the father of Bisrat, a child survivor of retinoblastoma, and he shared his family’s journey openly with delegates. His conversations with doctors emphasized the vital role of survivor stories in breaking down stigma, building trust with families, and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment. His presence reminded many that beyond the medical discussions, there are real children and families whose lives are transformed when awareness and timely care reach them. Look out for a dedicated article from Ermias that will share more of his family’s experience and his work in raising awareness in Ethiopia.
The team also attended the Women Leaders in Eye Health session where Ruth Ngaruiya officially joined the Kenyan chapter whatsapp group, strengthening the voice of women in ophthalmology and eye health leadership.
On the final day of the congress, the KTG team visited TAPCCO (Tesfa Addis Pediatric Cancer Center Organization) where they were warmly welcomed by Sara Ibrahim and her team. The visit was filled with joy as the team toured the facility, danced with children, and enjoyed Ethiopia’s finest traditional coffee and traditional popcorn. A full article on this memorable visit will follow soon.
Overall, COECSA 2025 was an incredible opportunity for connection, collaboration, and community building. KTG was able to strengthen relationships with doctors and organizations it has long engaged with virtually while also forming new partnerships that will be explored further in the weeks ahead. We are grateful for the warm hospitality in Ethiopia and the vibrant conversations throughout the congress, and we look forward to continued collaboration across Africa and to returning to COECSA in the future. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more stories about the engagements we had in Ethiopia with various organizations. A special thank you goes to Dr. Kumale, Dr. Bezawit, Dr. Roby, Dr. Abeba, Dr. Abdurashid Mahmud, and the many other doctors who generously supported us by translating our awareness materials into different Ethiopian languages.
