Lakati is a 12-year-old boy and the fifth born out of six children. Lakati comes from a big extended family. Lakati got a chance to go to school but since he finished his primary school education he has been helping look after his father’s cattle. His parents are nomadic pastoralists who settle in very remote regions, so getting to a hospital is not easy. They depend mainly on milk and meat from their cattle and once in a while, they are able to sell the cattle.
Lakati was diagnosed with right genu valgus. His right knee bows inward so that his knees touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Lakati experiences pain when walking for a long distance.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Lakati. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 8th. Treatment will hopefully restore Lakati’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.
Lakati says “We have to walk long distances each day in search of pasture for our father’s cattle and as days go by it keeps being hard for me because of my right leg which hurts badly especially in the evening when we return home.”