Meet Ruhweza, a 58-year-old father of seven from Uganda. “Ruhweza has had right inguinal scrotal painful swelling for a long time,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), reports.
As a carpenter, the hernia has made his work difficult. “He feels pain in the groin region when he lifts heavy items or when digging,” AMHF shares. He has not been able to work in this profession for the past three years, resorting to supporting his family by selling bananas.
An inguinal hernia typically occurs when a tissue or organ abnormally protrudes through the abdomen, causing swelling. If not treated, Ruhweza could be at risk of developing intestinal blockage and an incarcerated hernia, which occurs when the hernia becomes strangulated.
Ruhweza has tried using herbal medicines to reduce the swelling, however, none of the symptoms have subsided. With the hospital’s treatment, Ruhweza will be pain-free and able to return to work.
$220 covers the cost of hernia repair surgery to eliminate the risk of strangulation and obstruction and to allow Ruhweza to be able to support his family once again.
“Thank you very much. I pray that God may give you strength to continue helping the poor,” shares Ruhweza.