Kahuma is a 14-month-old baby living in Uganda with his parents. His mother braids hair in her sister’s salon, and his father is a driver who transports fresh food from Fort Portal to Kampala. Together, they earn a small income.
Seven months ago, Kahuma developed an intermittent swelling in his left groin region. As the swelling grew, Kahuma began to cry and lose his appetite. He was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia.
A hernia occurs when an internal organ pokes through a muscle wall, causing severe pain. Left untreated, a hernia can cause intestinal blockage or prevent blood from reaching vital parts of the intestines. On December 28, Kahuma’s doctors will perform surgery to repair the abdominal wall, remove the bulging tissue in his abdomen, and reposition his herniated tissue. The total cost of the procedure is $249, which covers the supplies, medications, and three days of inpatient care.
After Kahuma’s surgery, his pain and discomfort will be relieved.