72-year-old Mutahi started feeling lower abdominal pain about five years ago, and later developed scrotal swelling on his left side, which keeps increasing in size. Since then, Mutahi has had on and off pain and backaches. His discomfort increases when he walks so he is unable to travel long distances.
In 2015 Mutahi visited a health centre close to his home in Uganda, where he was told he had a scrotal cyst, but was advised to report his condition to a hospital for further diagnosis. He visited a hospital at the beginning of 2016 and was diagnosed with hydrocele, a condition causing an excess amount of fluid to build up. He was unable to pay for his surgery because he has no income so his condition has gone untreated. If Mutahi does not receive surgery he will continue living in discomfort and pain.
With $215, Mutahi will undergo surgery to release the excessive scrotal fluid. This operation will relieve the pressure and pain Mutahi has experienced for the past several years and make it easy for him to walk and farm again.
Mutahi is married and the father of 14 children. Most of his children are also poor; married and taking care of their own families with little additional resources. His wife is also sick; she is unable to do anything without straining. Mutahi is usually supported by his children, who feed both him and his wife and give them money to buy soap, salt, and sugar.
“After surgery I hope to regain my strength and continue working in my fields,” shared Mutahi.
