AIC Kapsowar Hospital

Benjamin is a 57-year-old man and father of eight children from Kenya. He is a farmer who currently lives with his youngest son. He grows maize and potatoes. His life became more challenging when a landslide affected part of his larger farm, destroying much of his property and forcing him to relocate. He later bought a small piece of land where he settled with his family. Despite his limited resources, he continued farming by leasing land to grow maize and provide food for his household. Benjamin underwent a total knee replacement, which was so expensive that he had to sell his land and belongings. Approximately eight months after undergoing a total knee replacement, Benjamin accidentally slipped and fell on a flat surface while attempting to close a door as he was returning home. He lost his balance because of instability in his left knee, which was still awaiting further correction. The fall resulted in fractures of both ankles, which were later confirmed by X-ray examination. Benjamin had previously developed severe pain in both knees and was diagnosed with severe bilateral knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions that significantly affected his mobility and ability to walk. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On September 1st, Benjamin will undergo a fracture repair procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation. The recommended surgery is expected to stabilize and repair both fractured ankles, promote healing, restore mobility, and improve his ability to walk again. Successful treatment would allow Benjamin to regain his independence, return to farming, support his family, and resume the activities that are essential to his livelihood and well-being. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure. Benjamin says, "I have been through a major surgery that was very expensive and very painful. I was beginning to recover before this other setback. Please help me and believe that God will help me once again."

Ignatius is an 84-year-old man from Kenya. He and his wife have five children, but four have since moved out of home. The couple now lives with one of their sons, who helps in taking care of them. Ignatius once worked as a locomotive driver, but due to his advanced age, he is now retired, and depends on small-scale farming. Ignatius enjoyed good health for most of his life until 2024, when he was diagnosed with hypertension. Unfortunately, his condition was not well managed, and he later developed kidney failure. He was admitted to the hospital for about a month and was started on dialysis. Since then, he has continued with dialysis twice every week. Regular dialysis has become a heavy burden for Ignatius and his family. He currently depends on a temporary hemodialysis catheter, which has caused him a lot of discomfort, and blocks frequently, exposing him to repeated infections. Ignatius was referred to AIC Kapsowar so that a more permanent and reliable dialysis access could be created. An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was created, but unfortunately, it failed to mature properly and could not be used for dialysis. Ignatius now needs a repeat AVF procedure, this time using larger blood vessels. His family is however not able to afford the required fees needed for surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ignatius receive treatment. On September 3rd, he is scheduled to undergo an AVF procedure that will cost $1,127. Now, Ignatius needs help to fund this procedure. Ignatius's daughter says, "Our family has been drained financially, and raising the surgical fee will be a challenge. Please help us."

Zachariah is a 22-year-old man and the firstborn in a family of five children from Kenya. He lives with his mother, his younger siblings, and his grandmother. His mother is a small-scale farmer and takes on casual jobs to support her family. After high school, Zachariah found a job in a butcher shop, selling meat. He was hopeful that through his hard work, he would slowly improve his life and eventually continue with his education. Zachariah was involved in a road accident while on his way home from work. He sustained a serious fracture of his femur and underwent surgery supported by government insurance. However, during a visit to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, an X-ray showed that the bone had failed to heal properly. He needs another surgery to give the bone another opportunity to heal. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On September 3rd, Zachariah will undergo a fracture repair procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure. Zachariah says, "This year has been bad and long for me. There is importance in being on your feet and walking without support. I had hoped to further my studies so that I would help my mum, but left on crutches. Please help me; I really need to gain mobility and independence once again."

Kenneth is a 42-year-old man from Kenya. Prior to his accident, Kenneth worked for a gas company, delivering gas cylinders to clients, and collecting empty cylinders. His wife is a flower farm worker, and their children are still school-going. Kenneth was on a motorcycle making a delivery when tragedy struck. The front wheel of the motorcycle suddenly lost air and it skid, throwing him off. Kenneth sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital where an x-ray revealed that both his right thighbone and shinbone were broken. He underwent fracture repair surgery, and continued visiting a nearby clinic for follow up care. About a month later, Kenneth developed an infection at the surgical site and the surgical implants that had been fixed got exposed. He also developed a wound on his lower leg, and experiences stiffness in his ankle. He is presently unable to put weight on the affected leg, limiting his mobility. Kenneth traveled to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for assistance. On examination, his right leg was shortened, with an open wound. He has been scheduled for surgery on September 14th to remove the infected exposed implants, dead bone and debris, and to undergo a free flap procedure to help cover the wound and promote healing. He will also require an external fixator to stabilise the fractured leg temporarily. Kenneth is frustrated and worried about his future. His national health cover has been exhausted, yet his leg requires urgent attention. Without proper treatment, he is at risk of serious infection and possibly losing his leg. He is seeking $1,500 support to regain the ability to walk, return to his family, and one day go back to work so that he can once again provide for his young family. Kenneth says, "My family is far away, and my wife is currently struggling to make ends meet. I hope I will be on my feet again soon. Please help me undergo this surgery."

Brian is a 17-year-old boy from Kenya. He is the youngest of three children and is currently in Grade 9. His father passed away when Brian was still very young. Brian and his siblings live with their grandparents. As they grew up, Brian and his brothers depended heavily on the support of their extended family. Their uncles played an important role in ensuring that the boys remained in school, and that financial difficulties did not prevent them from pursuing their studies. Brian’s older brothers have since completed school, and they earn their living through casual work and farming. They depend on a small piece of family land that was left to them, which helps them to meet some of their daily needs. They also support Brian. About four days ago, Brian was involved in a road accident when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and slid, causing him to fall. He sustained a serious injury to his hand. He was taken to a nearby health facility, where he received treatment. However, his hand continued to swell, and he experienced persistent and severe pain that was not relieved by the medication he had been given. Due to the increasing swelling and ongoing pain, Brian was referred for further assessment, including an X-ray and specialized treatment. The X-ray revealed fractures involving the metacarpal bones of his hand. Brian was also found to have features requiring carpal tunnel release to relieve pressure and to protect the function of his hand. The doctors have recommended surgical treatment, including fracture management and carpal tunnel release. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On September 18th, Brian will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, at AIC Kapsowar Hospital. After his treatment, Brian will have the opportunity to recover from his injury, regain the function of his hand, and return to school. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 to fund Brian's procedure. Brian's brother said: "We really have no money. What we initially thought was a small injury has turned into something much bigger. Please help my brother."

Abigael is a 13-year-old girl from Uganda. At an age when most children are focused on school, friends, and dreams for the future, Abigael has been facing a difficult health journey. She has been living with chronic kidney disease for the past year and has depended on regular dialysis to stay well. Abigael's mother earns a small income by doing laundry for other people, while her father relies on casual jobs whenever work is available. Abigael’s journey to receive care in Kenya began when she arrived at a health facility near the Kenya-Uganda border in Busia. There, she met a kind-hearted lady who decided to help her and became her guardian. Abigael was taken to the hospital and was diagnosed with kidney failure. She requires dialysis twice a week to help remove waste and excess fluid from her body because her kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions adequately. To make her dialysis treatment easier and safer, Abigael came to our facility to have an arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) created, providing better access for her regular dialysis sessions. Her first fistula was initially successful, but unfortunately, it later failed. This has made her dialysis sessions increasingly difficult and has required her to return to the hospital for further assessment and management. Abigael is now being assessed for another procedure to create a new fistula at a different site, using a larger and more suitable blood vessel. The hope is that this new fistula will heal well and provide her with reliable access for her ongoing dialysis treatment. On September 25th, Abigael will undergo surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,127 to fund this procedure. Abiggael's guardian shared, "I took Abigael as my own daughter at her lowest. Please help her because I cannot raise enough for her total bill."

Hillary is a 28-year-old man from Kenya, full of determination and hope despite the many challenges he has faced. He completed school until the fourth grade, and he dreams of continuing his education and building a better future for himself and his family. He currently works as a farmer, growing maize, beans, and seasonal potatoes on a modest plot of land. Though hardworking, his income is minimal. He lives with his parents and contributes what he can to help support his siblings’ education. Tragedy struck on February 21st, when Hillary was involved in a road traffic accident. He was riding a motorcycle that lost control and collided with another motorcycle. He was taken to the hospital and was found to have multiple serious injuries, including a deep laceration to his forehead, wounds to his knee and thigh, and significant trauma to his left leg. Imaging revealed a fractured jaw and a distal femur fracture. Due to the severity of his injuries, Hillary was urgently taken to the operating room, where he underwent irrigation and debridement of the wounds and was placed in a long-leg posterior splint for support. He later underwent a second procedure to stabilize his femur with an external fixator. His jaw was also surgically repaired using arch bars and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), restoring the structure of his face. During recovery, Hillary has remained resilient. He has followed strict precautions, including non-weight-bearing movement and a liquid diet. He is now able to move with crutches, though his mobility remains limited, and his ability to speak and smile is still affected by the jaw fixation. Hillary has returned to the hospital for the next stage of his care: removal of the external fixator and complete surgical repair of his femur to restore function fully. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner care center can help. On April 2nd, Hillary will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, to restore stability and function to his leg. To make this possible, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 is needed to fund his surgery. Hillary says, "I thank God for this far towards my recovery, please assist me, and looking forward to complete healing. I will go back to school, and I promise to help others too in the near future."

Jonah is a 66-year-old man from Kenya. Before he got sick, Jonah faithfully served as a pastor and supplemented his income through small-scale farming. Together with his wife, he relied on farming to meet their daily needs and maintain a modest but dignified livelihood. However, since the progression of his kidney disease, he has become physically unable to work, leaving him dependent on the support of his children for food, medical expenses, and other necessities. Jonah was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and began life-sustaining hemodialysis in September 2025. Since then, he has attended dialysis sessions twice every week, on Mondays and Thursdays, using a tunnelled right internal jugular (RIJ) dialysis catheter. While he has remained committed to his treatment schedule, concerns have arisen regarding the long-term function and reliability of the catheter, making it necessary to establish a more durable and safer dialysis access. In September 2025, Jonah underwent the first stage of a brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation, an important step toward achieving permanent dialysis access. A recent medical assessment revealed a palpable thrill over both the basilic vein and the distal cephalic vein, with slow capillary refill. These findings indicate the need for a second-stage brachiobasilic AVF transposition together with ligation of the competing cephalic vein to optimise the fistula and ensure reliable, long-term dialysis treatment. This procedure is critical for Jonah's ongoing care. A well-functioning arteriovenous fistula is considered the preferred form of vascular access for dialysis because it provides better blood flow, reduces complications, and improves long-term treatment outcomes. Without the recommended surgery, Jonah remains dependent on a catheter that carries increased risks of infection, clotting, and inadequate dialysis. On August 7th, Jonah will undergo surgery to create an arteriovenous fistula to facilitate his treatments. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,127 to fund his procedure and care. Jonah says, "I am looking forward to recovering soon so that I can continue serving in the ministry. "

Vivian is a 36-year-old mother of two children, aged 12 and 7 from Kenya. She comes from a humble background and was only able to study up to Form 2, before dropping out of school due to financial challenges. Together with her husband, she has worked hard to provide for their children through small-scale mixed farming. Six years ago, Vivian began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling at the front of her neck. With time, she began experiencing headaches, tiredness, and weight loss. Concerned, she eventually sought medical attention. She was diagnosed with non-toxic goitre, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Vivian needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Unfortunately, her national medical cover was exhausted by a fracture repair surgery last year, and the little money she raised from selling off her chickens was spent on preoperative investigations. Her family is therefore unable to afford her upcoming surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Vivian receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on August 10th at AIC Kapsowar Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $830, and she and her family need help raising the funds. Vivian says, "My wish is to undergo surgery treatment and return home to my children, healthy. I hope I can recover before my children reopen school."

Edwin is a 25-year-old young man from Kenya. He has just begun building his life and is looking forward to a promising future. He is single and completed Information Technology in Business Management. Although finding stable employment had been difficult, Edwin remained determined to make a living and support himself. He took up casual jobs while searching for better opportunities. In January 2026, while on his way home, Edwin was struck by a speeding car and thrown into a ditch, sustaining a severe open fracture of his right tibia. He was rushed to a health facility near his home, but the injury was extensively contaminated. What followed was a long and difficult journey involving several operations. He initially underwent surgical washout and later had an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the fracture. Although the surgery was initially successful, he subsequently developed an opening in the lateral aspect of his leg with a persistent draining sinus and a wound that failed to heal. ‎Because of the complexity of his condition, Edwin was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for further care. An examination revealed extensive necrotic soft tissue around the distal tibia wound, including necrosis involving part of the Achilles tendon. There was also non-viable bone, requiring extensive surgical debridement. ‎Edwin was taken back to the operating theater and underwent several complex procedures, including placement of an Ilizarov external fixator and provisional fixation of the distal tibia using mini-plates. In an effort to cover the extensive soft-tissue defect and give his leg a chance to heal, he later underwent a left anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous free flap with microvascular free-tissue transfer to the defect. ‎Initially, Edwin did well after the procedure. Unfortunately, the flap later failed because of progressive infection. Despite antibiotic treatment, the infection remained difficult to control. He was subsequently placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics and planned for further surgery, including extensive sequestrectomy and placement of an antibiotic spacer to address the infected and non-viable bone. ‎Edwin has now returned for further management. The orthopedic team is planning additional surgery, including ORIF and bone grafting, although ankle fusion may also be necessary to achieve stability and preserve the limb. ‎Throughout this long and painful journey, Edwin has remained hopeful. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On August 11th, Edwin will undergo surgery that will allow doctors to save his leg. Edwin is hopeful he will regain his independence, return to a productive life, and continue pursuing the future he had worked so hard to build. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure. Edwin says, It's the best feeling to be well and be able to walk without support. Been on crutches for 7 months and hoping one day I will walk independently. I know my recovery journey will be quite long, but trusting in God. My parents and I have gone through a lot, both physically and financially."

52-year-old Christine is a wife, mother of six, and a hardworking farmer, who lives in Kenya. Her husband retired from the police force, and now farms along with his wife, hoping to provide a stable future for their family. Christine and her husband have children who are still dependent on them, with some preparing for college, and others continuing their secondary education. Their children look to their parents for school fees, food, and other basic needs. When Christine’s husband retired, he bought land as an investment with his retirement benefits, to help sustain the family after his retirement. Part of his retirement money was also used to pay school fees, and to meet the family’s immediate needs. Since then, the couple has relied largely on seasonal farming income to support their household and to educate their children. In early March, Christine was on her way to their farm. She was going to look for workers who would help prepare the land ahead of the April planting season. She never imagined that this ordinary journey would change her life forever. She was traveling in a public service vehicle, when a speeding car crashed into them. The accident was devastating. Christine considers herself fortunate to have survived, but she sustained multiple severe fractures, and was rushed to a health facility in Eldoret. She spent nearly a month as an inpatient, undergoing treatment for injuries to several parts of her body. She had sustained fractures involving her right hip, right femur, left knee, and left wrist. She eventually underwent surgery, including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of her wrist, femur, and hip. The surgeries were successful, and she was discharged for continued recovery and follow-up. For some time, Christine was hopeful that her life would gradually return to normal. However, she continued experiencing persistent and severe pain around her right hip. As the pain continued, Christine decided to seek further specialized care at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital. She was reviewed by the orthopedic team, and underwent a CT scan which revealed a right hip dislocation, post-surgical changes following the previous right acetabular (hip socket) ORIF, and a moderate right hip joint effusion. The findings explained why Christine continued to experience pain, and why she had been unable to walk independently. The orthopedic team has determined that Christine requires another complex operation. The planned procedure involves surgical reconstruction of the right hip, with possible joint replacement, together with further fixation of the femur. This is expected to be a difficult and lengthy procedure, because of the severity of her original injuries, and the previous operations she has already undergone. As a result of the care that Christine needed right after the accident, her national health insurance has been exhausted. Although the family has some support available for the specialized surgery that Christine will require, the cost of the required implants and other surgical expenses remains a major challenge. Christine is still hopeful, even as she continues to be unable to bear weight, and needs crutches to be able to move around. Fortunately, surgeons at AIC Kapsowar Hospital, can help. On August 20th, Christine will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will enable her to walk easily again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,247 to fund Christine's surgery and care. Christine said: “I was almost losing hope because of everything I have gone through since the accident. Being able to walk independently, without support, is what I am looking forward to. Please help me complete this journey."

At just 11 years old, Victorine has had multiple hospital admissions and surgeries. What began as a simple fall while playing at school has turned into a long and difficult journey with chronic bone infection, an open wound, repeated operations, and the need for complex reconstructive surgery. In 2023, Victorine, a 3rd grader then, was playing at school when she fell and sustained a fracture of her right lower leg. She was taken to a health facility, where the fracture was managed with a cast, and she was discharged. Her family continued taking her for follow-up clinics, hoping the injury would heal and that she would soon return to her normal childhood. Months later, however, Victorine began developing a persistent wound on the front of her leg, with part of the bone exposed. Further investigations, including an X-ray, showed features consistent with chronic osteomyelitis and sequestrum, which is dead bone trapped within the infected area. Victorine's family decided to seek further care at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, where a repeat X-ray showed evidence of chronic osteomyelitis with poor healing and possible non-union of the tibia. The surgical team explained to the family that the immediate priority would be to remove the dead and infected bone and control the infection, but that this would not be the final stage of treatment. Victorine would likely require several procedures before her leg could be adequately reconstructed. Victorine underwent a sequestrectomy, during which the surgeons removed the dead and infected bone. Extensive debridement was performed, and an antibiotic spacer was placed to help manage the infection and prepare the leg for future reconstruction. Victorine was then discharged, but unfortunately, her surgical wound opened again, and she had to return to the operating theatre for another procedure. Victorine has been attending follow up clinics and recently, the surgical team determined that she now requires a more complex reconstructive procedure for removal of the antibiotic spacer, flap coverage, bone grafting, and application of an external fixator. The surgery will help provide healthy tissue coverage, stabilise the tibia, and allow her leg to heal. Victorine is currently in the hospital with her father, a small-scale farmer, who has remained by her side throughout this difficult journey. Victorine has seven siblings who also depend on their parents for their daily living. Since her first hospital admission, the family has relied heavily on support from the national health insurance and well-wishers to help meet the cost of her treatment. Unfortunately, Victorine now has limited approval in the health cover for the upcoming surgery. Her family is seeking to raise $694 for the procedure, which is scheduled on August 19th. Victorine's father says, "My daughter has been out of school for a very long time. My prayer is for healing, so that she can continue with her education. Please help us."