Fredrick is a 29-year-old farmer from Malawi. He lives with his parents and helps support them with the small profits he makes from selling Irish potatoes.
Eighteen months ago, Fredrick started experiencing abdominal pain associated with an inguinal hernia. He was unable to seek medical treatment until now.
An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of the intestines through a weak region in the abdominal muscles. The protrusion presents as a painful bulge in the groin, and the pain increases with coughing, bending at the waist, or lifting heavy objects. Without treatment, Fredrick is at risk of intestinal obstruction or strangulation, which can be life-threatening.
For $613, Fredrick will undergo hernia repair surgery. During the procedure, surgeons push the protruding tissue back into the abdomen and sew together the weakened muscle with pieces of synthetic mesh. Over time, muscle tissue grows into and around the mesh to strengthen the area.
Funding for Fredrick also covers the costs of three days of hospital care, including blood tests and medicine, as well as travel and meals for Fredrick and two caregivers.
Fredrick is very excited about his hernia repair, and he is optimistic that everything will go well.