Namayana's mother noticed that her six-month-old daughter's head was increasing in size and her eyes were changing after recovering from meningitis. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares that Namayana's mother sought medical attention for her daughter, who was then diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is excessive buildup of fluid in the brain and causes the head to swell and enlarge. "Despite her condition, Namayana is very strong," AMHF shares. "She can lift her legs high up while laying in bed. She wants to sit and move around but the size of her head won't let her." If the condition persists, Namayana may face brain damage and issues with mental and physical development. "Namayana needs treatment to prevent further developmental problems," AMHF shares. "Namayana’s mother is a homemaker and her father is a livestock keeper," but they are unable to come up with the funds for their daughter's treatment. In order to treat Namayana's hydrocephalus, doctors will insert a shunt to drain the excess fluid from her head. $775 covers the cost of surgery, a five-day hospital stay, antibiotics, and follow-up care for Namayana. AMHF expects a positive outcome. "There will be no more progressive head enlargement for Namayana and there will also be a reduced physical developmental delay." “I will be happy to see my daughter getting stronger and growing up like her siblings,” says Namayana’s mother.

Meet Mackilin, a nine-month-old girl from Uganda. “Mackilin was found abandoned crying in the bush and rescued by a local family,” says our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation (KF). Mackilin has acute malnutrition, which is causing her to have lethargy and diarrhea. She also has an increased susceptibility to infections. KF tells us, “Mackilin’s adoptive father is a soldier and her adoptive mother is a border guard at the border of Uganda and the Congo.” KF continues, “they have a large family of their own and are unable to pay for the hospitalization of Mackilin.” Malnutrition is treated with hospitalization to administer therapeutic foods to rehabilitate the body as well as antibiotics to fight off infections. For $375, Mackilin will be hospitalized for ten days to receive the necessary medication to bring her back to good health. Mackilin’s mother tells us, “we believe Mackilin is a gift from God and thank you very much for helping her.”