Watsi

Success! Jilungu from Tanzania raised $890 to fund clubfoot correction.

100%

$890 raised, $0 to go

$890

raised

to go

Fully funded

Jilungu's treatment was fully funded on January 13, 2019.

Jilungu's story
Jilungu's update

Photo of Jilungu post-operation

December 20, 2018

Jilungu underwent clubfoot correction.

Jilungu is doing well during the treatment of his left clubfoot condition. He is still in his first cast, and he will be having his next cast change later this month.

Jilungu’s father says, “I cannot thank you enough for the help you have given to my son. He had no means but through your funding my son has had his treatment. Thank you very much.”

Jilungu is doing well during the treatment of his left clubfoot condition. He is still in his first cast, and he will be having his next cas...

December 4, 2018

Jilungu is a child from Tanzania. His parents are farmers.

Jilungu has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes.

Fortunately, Jilungu traveled to visit our medical partner’s care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on December 5. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $890 to fund Jilungu’s clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk.

Jilungu’s father says, “Please help my son.”

Jilungu is a child from Tanzania. His parents are farmers. Jilungu has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot ...

Submitted by

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Jilungu's case was submitted by Robert Kariuki at African Mission Healthcare Foundation in Tanzania.

Jilungu's Timeline

December 4, 2018
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Jilungu was submitted by Robert Kariuki, Process Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare Foundation, our medical partner in Tanzania.
December 05, 2018
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Jilungu received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC). Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
December 06, 2018
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Jilungu's profile was published to start raising funds.
December 20, 2018
TREATMENT UPDATE
Jilungu's treatment was successful. Read the update.
January 13, 2019
FULLY FUNDED
Jilungu's treatment was fully funded.

Share Jilungu's story

Funded by 36 donors

Funded by 36 donors

Treatment

Clubfoot

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $890 for Jilungu's treatment

Hospital Fees

$693

Medical Staff

Medication

Supplies

$175

Labs

$14

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

The foot is turned inward, often severely, at the ankle, and the arch of the foot is very high. Patients experience discomfort, and the affected leg may be shorter and smaller than the other.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

These children have a difficult time walking and running. Years of trying to walk on a clubfoot will cause wounds and other skeletal problems, such as arthritis. Patients will have difficulty fitting in shoes and participating in normal play, school, and daily activities. Many Africans make their livings through manual labor, which can be difficult with an untreated clubfoot.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Incidence is 1/1,000 live births, or about 1,600 cases in Tanzania annually. This is roughly similar to rates in Western countries, though many cases may be missed. There is no known reason for its occurrence in this region.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Patients will undergo a series of small operations, casting, and manipulations during their course of treatment. Patients will stay in the Plaster House, a rehabilitation center for children in Tanzania, for as long as their recovery takes.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The bones and joint will become aligned, and long-term disability will be prevented.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Clubfoot is very treatable. The surgery is minor and not risky.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Care is not easily accessible. Most patients live in remote, rural areas and are identified through mobile outreach. The pediatric surgical program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre was started to meet the large burden of pediatric disability in the region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. If not treated, the condition will persist and will result in disability.

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