Babiika is a 75-year-old man from Uganda with six children. He owns a retail shop, where he sells basic items, such as salt, sugar, and soap. His wife farms and grows food for them to eat.
In 2014, Babiika developed a painful swelling in his left femoral region. The pain became constant, and the swelling increased in size. Babiika’s left leg grew numb, and he was unable to walk without difficulty or lift heavy items.
Six months ago, Babiika visited a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a left femoral hernia. A hernia is a protrusion of the intestines through a weak region in the abdominal muscles. A femoral hernia presents as a protrusion—or bulge—in the groin. Its presence makes coughing, bending at the waist, or lifting heavy objects very painful. Without treatment, the hernia can become trapped outside the abdomen, and its blood supply can be cut off.
To prevent an emergency situation, Babiika was advised to have surgery to repair the hernia. However, he could not afford to pay for surgery.
Babiika visited our medical partner’s hospital, Holy Family Virika Hospital, after learning about Watsi from his friend. On November 16, he underwent hernia repair surgery. During the surgery, his doctor pushed the protruding tissue back into the abdomen and sewed the weakened muscle with a synthetic mesh. Over time, muscle tissue will grow into and around the mesh to strengthen the area.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $249 to fund this procedure. Funding for Babiika also covers the costs of a three-day hospital stay, pain medicine, antibiotics, and blood tests.
After surgery, Babiika hopes to regain his strength and continue with his retail business. Let’s help make that happen!
