Mohamed is a two-month-old baby boy who lives with his parents and eight other siblings in Ethiopia. Mohamed was born with an imperforate anus, a condition in which the anus does not develop properly. He lacks a hole at the end of his rectum, and thus is not able to pass stool.
According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), “Mohamed underwent a colostomy (a procedure that creates a temporary stooling hole in the stomach) when he was a few days old. But Mohamed needs a complete anorectal malformation surgery if he is to pass stool normally and have a chance at a normal life.”
Additionally, colostomy bags can have a negative effect on one’s quality of life, as they can cause a foul odor. The area where the bag is placed is also prone to infections.
Anorectal malformation surgery consists of a PSARP (pull-through) procedure, during which Mohamed’s anus will be reconstructed so that stool can pass through.
For $1,500, all of Mohamed’s surgical and medical fees will be covered, as will the meals received during his hospital stay. But because Mohamed’s father is poor and must care for a large family, he needs help to afford the surgical treatment.
Mohamed’s parents are hoping that “he will get better, and be able to join school once he is of age.”