Zakiri is a bright eight-year-old boy from Malawi. The third-born in a family of four children, Zakiri is in Standard 2, and is eager to continue learning and spending time with his friends. His mother says he has always grown well, reaching his developmental milestones on time, and there was nothing unusual about his health until two years ago. For two years, Zakiri has had an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. At first, Zakiri would complain of abdominal pain and headaches whenever the swelling appeared. Concerned, his mother took him to several clinics hoping to find a solution, but the problem persisted. As Zakiri prepared to start another school year, she became increasingly worried that the condition would interfere with his childhood and education. In August 2026, she took him to a local hospital, where a clinician advised that he be referred to Nkhoma Mission Hospital for further assessment and treatment. For Zakiri’s mother, making the journey to Nkhoma was not an easy decision. She and her four children live with her parents, her sister, her sister's child, and her brother’s child. Zakiri's father works in South Africa and only sends money occasionally, while his mother depends mainly on farming to support the family. Despite these challenges, she followed the clinician’s advice and brought Zakiri to Nkhoma Hospital, where his right inguinal hernia was confirmed, and surgery was recommended. However, the cost of treatment was more than she could afford. Zakiri’s mother is hopeful that the support will make it possible for her son to receive the treatment he needs. Fortunately, on September 16th, Zakiri will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Zakiri's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 16th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life. Zakiri's mother said, "I wish to see him healthy again, back in his classroom. I hope that once his hernia is repaired, no illness will stand in the way of Zakiri growing, learning and enjoying his childhood."

Josephy is a 57-year-old father of five children from Malawi. He is a pastor and also runs a kabaza motorcycle taxi to support his family. Twenty-two years ago, Josephy began to experience troubling symptoms that affected his ability to perform his daily tasks and serve his church. He was diagnosed with haemorrhoids and needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Josephy receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on August 14th. Now, Josephy needs your help to raise $917 to support the cost of the surgery and care. Josephy shared, "I have suffered and have no other option other than seeking support for me to get rid of the entire problem; I just need to get better; you are my last hope to save my life."

Julius is a 63-year-old husband, father, and grandfather from Uganda. He and his wife have together raised eight children, all of whom are now adults with families of their own. Throughout their marriage, the couple has worked hard to provide for their family despite limited resources. Julius is a small-scale farmer who grows crops that help feed the family, and generate a modest income. His wife serves as a church leader, and dedicates much of her time to supporting the community. Twelve years ago, Julius began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent pain on one side of his body, severe pain in his chest and lower abdomen. He has lost his appetite, suffers from recurrent fevers, and has become so weak that even bending to perform simple daily activities is difficult. The worsening symptoms have greatly affected his ability to work on his farm, threatening the family's primary source of income. Julius sought medical attention at Rwibaale Hospital and was diagnosed with an enlarged spleen. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Julius's surgery. On September 1st, he will undergo surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Julius says: "I hope to find relief from the pain, so I can resume my duties as a farmer, and take good care of my children."