Phiona is a 5-year-old girl living in Uganda, where she has just started nursery school. She is the first child in her family. Phiona’s parents are farm laborers. Her father Ronald grazes cattle for a neighbor, while her mother Vital picks tea. Vital also weaves mats to use as bedding, which she trades for extra income. Unfortunately, Phiona’s parents do not have enough savings to pay for her treatment.
Phiona suffers from malnutrition, symptoms of which include edema, fevers, diarrhea, and general weakness. Without proper treatment, Phiona may suffer dehydration or harm to her future growth and development.
After a local health facility was unable to provide treatment for Phiona, nurses from a Watsi partner hospital, Bwindi Hospital, visited the community and identified Phiona as in need of treatment.
In a display of gratitude, Phiona’s mother knelt and clapped her hands, saying, “Thank you so much for the help I hope to get from Watsi for my daughter’s treatment. May God bless the donors.”