This is Isingoma, a five-year-old boy from Uganda, who has a twin brother named Kato. He also has six other brothers and a sister, but he mostly likes staying with his twin brother to play. During Watsi’s interview, he repeatedly asked to go home and play with Kato.
Isingoma is not in school yet, but he can count from one to ten. Meanwhile, his parents are casual laborers, who work in other people’s gardens for pay. They are struggling to pay for the education of their children even with the help of a friend who pays for their daughter’s high school education.
About eight months ago, Isingoma told his mother his scrotum became swollen. His mother checked his scrotal area and was concerned. She took him to a health center where a physician diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia. Isingoma was referred to Virika Hospital for further assistance from Watsi’s medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. At Virika, it was confirmed that he has a hernia and a right hydrocele as well. He is not feeling any pain yet, but his mother is worried about the risk of a strangulated hernia and bowel obstruction. She is in anguish because she has another son who also requires a hernia repair (see Kiiza Daniel).
For $249, surgeons at Vrika will reposition Isingoma’s intestinal tissue to prevent bulging and reinforce his weakened abdominal muscles with mesh. To address the hydrocele, Isingoma will under a hydrocelectomy, and the fluid back-up from his right testis will be removed. Surgical intervention will prevent recurrence and further irritation.
After surgery, Isingoma’s mother says, “I hope my children get well soon, so that I can have peace of mind and provide for them.” Let’s help this mother and her young sons!
