"Israel is a friendly and talkative six-year-old boy," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "Even though he is not the last born in the family, he looks like he is the youngest. The severe bowing of both of his legs has made him look shorter compared to his age mates."
6-year-old Israel is a young boy from Tanzania, and has developed genu valgus (knock-knees) due to fluorosis, or high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water.
"Israel walks with difficulty. He walks as if he has a problem with his hips," AMHF adds. "He is unable to run around with friends and at times he feels left out when other children are busy playing outside and no one is willing to slow down for him to catch up."
Treatment for Israel's condition will cost $940. This will improve his gait and allow him to walk and grow normally.
“Just like the rest of my children who are able to walk to school, I wish that Israel can also walk to school without difficulties,” says Israel’s mother.