Yotamu is a 67-year-old father of seven children from Malawi. Yotamu sought medical care at our medical partner’s care center, Partners In Hope Medical Center (PIH), after being referred from another hospital, due to swelling and pain in his inguinal region.
Yotamu had general good health until 2019, when he started experiencing the painful symptoms. He went to the hospital, where different medications were prescribed, to no avail. He visited several hospitals and finally ended up at a referral hospital where he received a diagnosis of inguinal hernia, a condition in which soft tissue bulges through a weak point in the abdominal muscle, causing pain. Since 2020, his surgery has been rescheduled four times due to busy theatre schedules.
In October last year, Yotamu was referred to PIH, but he did not go as he was worried about how he was going to pay for treatment. He works as a security guard, earning approximately MWK100,000 ($57.11) per month for upkeep. Over time, however, the pain worsened, so he finally decided to go to PIH and face whatever challenges. Unfortunately, he had already spent a lot of cash seeking support due to frequent hospital visits and the purchase of pain-relieving medications.
At PIH, he was reviewed by a surgeon, who confirmed his diagnosis and the need to undergo a hernia repair procedure. If left untreated, the condition may lead to serious incarceration and strangulation. Presently, the condition has significantly impacted his daily work, which has reduced his income.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Yotamu receive treatment. On January 13th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at PIH. Yotamu looks forward to surgery that he feels will change his life for the better. He is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $575 more to fund the procedure.
He says: “Kindly help me, this has really affected my family life; I need to concentrate on my work and support my family as a responsible father.”

