Meet 42-year-old Tusabe, a mother of five from Uganda.
Tusabe has advanced uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous, fibrous growths in the uterus. “She learnt of this condition when she experienced a miscarriage at 2 months,” reports our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
“Tusabe went to a government hospital, and after a scan examination, she was told that she had grown myomas in her uterus and needed surgery for treatment,” AMHF tells us. “Tusabe decided to go back home, because she did not have the money. She gave up on ever getting treated.”
Tusabe’s symptoms have worsened, as she has more lower abdominal pain and bleeding. “Due to this condition, Tusabe was forced to stop working. She stays at home while her husband, a taxi driver, earns for the family,” shares AMHF. “His income is only enough to feed the family.”
“If not treated, Tusabe will suffer from chronic pain and is at risk of anemia,” says AMHF.
With $165, Tusabe can receive a total abdominal hysterectomy, a surgical procedure that will remove her uterus to resolve her excessive bleeding and pain. This cost covers surgical supplies, medication, hospital materials, medical records, inpatient accommodations, and laboratory work.
AMHF adds, “We expect that Tusabe will recover fully. She will be free from the pain and risk of anemia, and will be able to work and assist her husband in providing for their family.”
“After treatment, I will be able to look after my children,” Tusabe shares.
