“Habonju is the fourth born in a family of ten children. He was among the lucky children who went to school because out of all the children only three went to school,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
Habonju is a 23-year-old young man from Tanzania. He was diagnosed with fluorosis, a chronic condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine compounds. “Habonju walks with difficulty. He cannot run and he sometimes feels pain on his knees,” AMHF shares.
Prior to his diagnosis, Habonju enjoyed playing soccer and running around with other boys. When he reached class three, his legs began to bend sideways, and this gradually made him bedridden. A good samaritan intervened and helped Habonju receive medical intervention and return to school.
“Habonju just recently completed his diploma in community development. He hopes to get a job, but he is afraid it may be difficult to find a job given his disability,” AMHF shares. “Habonju’s mother is a homemaker and has another disabled baby.”
$940 will fund the treatment Habonju needs to correct his gait. A surgeon will realign and cast Habonju’s bone, and Habonju will recover in a rehabilitation centre and receive regular physical therapy. Without this intervention, Habonju is at high risk of developing osteoarthritis at a young age.
Habonju says, “I am lucky to be where I am now. When my legs are straight and I can walk properly again, I will continue to work hard. I will get a job and help my mom, siblings, and support my community at large.”
