“I just want to be able to walk properly without feeling pain so that I can keep up with other pupils when playing at school,” shares Kijana, a 10-year-old student from Tanzania. The fifth of seven children, Kijana is friendly and very talkative. He enjoys singing and learning how to read and write at school. Kijana’s parents are small scale farmers who work additional odd jobs to earn enough money to support their large family. Even so, they are unable to afford surgery to treat Kijana’s genu valgum, or knocked knees, caused by fluorosis. “Kijana walks with difficulties due to the condition of his legs,” explains our medical partner African Mission Healthcare Foundation. “He sometimes complains of pain on his knees and ankles. If not treated, Kijana’s ability to perform various tasks effectively will be poor and he will also be at high risk of developing early osteoarthritis.” For $940, we can fund a series of casting and surgical procedures that will help to realign Kijana’s legs. Following surgery, Kijana’s gait will improve, his risk for early osteoarthritis will decrease, and he will be able to walk properly to school without feeling pain. Let’s help Kijana return to school well enough to join in the games with his fellow pupils!

Meet Fahari, an adorable one-and-a-half-month-old baby boy from Tanzania. His mother is a homemaker and his father uses his bicycle to transport fellow community members. Fahari has two older sisters. “When he was born, his mother suspected that there was something wrong with her baby,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, says. “Fahari is crying excessively during defecation due to a small anal opening.” This is a symptom of anorectal malformation, and this condition can lead to intestinal obstruction and possible death if not treated correctly. Fahari’s mother shares, “Fahari came by accident and we are grateful because we did not have a baby boy. We badly need him to be well and live a normal life like his sisters and later go on to school and have a career unlike us.” $1500 will give Fahari the opportunity to develop correctly and live a long and happy life. Let’s help him out!