Emanuel is a 12-year-old boy who lives in Tanzania. He is the fifth born child of seven children to his subsistence farmer parents who live in a village.
Emanuel was burnt when he was very small when he grabbed a hot sufiria (cooking pot) from the fire and burnt his right hand. He was treated locally for the burn at the time and his fingers healed all contracted together in a mitt. In July this year, his parents sought care for him to release the fingers at Mount Meru Hospital. After the wounds took a long time to heal, he did some results they were hoping for.
However, Emmanuel needs surgery to release the contracture between his two middle fingers and increase his webspaces, which will make a big difference to the function of Emanuel’s hand. Emanuel has never attended school, but he is keen to when he finishes the rehabilitation from this surgery. He especially has enjoyed the classroom time at The Plaster House at the hospital.
“I wish for my fingers to be straight, I am grateful this year that my parents have sought assistance to make this happen,” shares Emanuel.