Kusemererwa is a 38-year-old father living in Uganda with his wife and children. Three of his children are in primary school. Both Kusemererwa and his wife are farmers who grow beans, potatoes, and groundnuts for their family. Whenever possible, they grow cabbage and eggplants to sell.
Five years ago, Kusemererwa developed a swelling in his left groin region. The swelling causes him back pain and tightness, which makes it difficult for him to bend over or work.
“I have a big swelling that is on and off, and sometimes I feel backache,” he says. He has been unable to afford treatment in the past, but recently he learned about Watsi and visited our medical partner’s hospital, Holy Family Virika Hospital.
At the hospital, Kusemererwa was diagnosed with a left scrotal hernia. A hernia occurs when an internal organ pokes through the muscle wall, causing severe pain. Left untreated, a hernia can cause intestinal blockage or prevent blood from reaching vital parts of the intestines.
Kusemererwa’s doctors recommended surgical intervention to remove the bulging tissue in his abdomen and reposition his herniated tissue. This procedure is scheduled for December 28, 2016. The total cost of the procedure is $249, which covers supplies, medications, and three days of inpatient care.
After surgery, Kusemererwa hopes to continue farming to pay for the education of his children. He will be able to work without pain or discomfort.
