“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!
