Elizabeth is a mother of three, expecting to deliver her fourth child. She is a trained teacher and had been teaching at a school near her home, however, she has not been able to work for close to two years due to the COVID lockdown for schools. Elizabeth's husband is a catechist but also has not been earning during this challenging time. They shared that they have been living one day at a time. Doctors have told Elizabeth that she needs to deliver via a c-section to ensure the health of her and her new baby. She is asking for support for the $252 cost of treatment. Elizabeth says: “I have really been hit by this long-standing lockdown of schools as I hardly get money for our family necessities. I hope that when I am supported, my financial burden will be relieved and I continue with farming until schools are opened fully and I resume with teaching.”

Four-year-old Murungi presented with left scrotal swelling associated with on and off pain. Our medical partner in Uganda, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), diagnosed Murungi with congenital left hydrocele, a condition causing genital pain and swelling. “At the age of one year, Murungi’s mother noticed his left scrotal was swollen,” AMHF says. “She took him to a health center where she was told it was a hydrocele and advised to take the child to hospital for surgery. She couldn’t afford taking him to hospital because she is a primary school teacher and earns little money, which is mostly spent on house rent and feeding.” Murungi is a bright young boy, and AMHF tells us he really enjoys school. He is currently learning to sing a song in school called “Come and hear the use of education.” For $215, Murungi’s condition will be treated and he will return to school without pain or discomfort. His mother is thrilled that he was presented with the opportunity to receive care free of charge. “Thank you in advance for the treatment you are going to give to my son,” she says.