Atanazio is a 57-year-old farmer from a village in Salima District in Malawi. Salima District is nestled along the southern shores of Lake Malawi, and is known for its lush, rolling hills, and fertile land. The community here primarily relies on agriculture, with maize, groundnuts, and cassava being the backbone of local livelihoods. For Atanazio, this way of life has been the foundation of his family’s survival, as he has worked tirelessly on his farm to provide for his wife, children, and grandchildren.

In 2016, Atanazio started experiencing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), which caused him pain, discomfort, and distress. For nearly a decade, this affliction has hindered his ability to work, affecting his health, productivity, and the well-being of his family. Each month, Atanazio would endure long trips to the local district hospital, where he would receive routine catheter changes in an attempt to manage the symptoms of his condition. As the years passed, the toll this illness took on his body, mind, and soul became unbearable. Once a strong man capable of tending to his farm and supporting his loved ones, he now struggles to meet his basic needs.

In 2023, Atanazio’s journey toward a definitive diagnosis took a significant turn. He was referred to a hospital in Lilongwe, where he was diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged and causes urinary difficulties. The diagnosis provided some clarity, but Atanazio was advised to undergo further tests to rule out the possibility of malignancy. Thankfully, the results returned negative, offering relief in an otherwise turbulent period. Despite the positive news, Atanazio’s struggles were far from over. His financial situation had declined, and despite numerous hospital visits, he was repeatedly told that surgical treatment was not available at the time.

Last month, after suffering from acute urinary retention, Atanazio’s family made the difficult decision to travel once again, this time to our medical partner’s care center, Nkhoma Hospital. They gathered funds from their savings and from relatives who wished him well in the hopes that a solution would finally be within reach. At Nkhoma Hospital, a cystoscopy procedure was performed, allowing the surgeons to develop a clear treatment plan. Physicians at Nkhoma Hospital determined that Atanazio should undergo a prostatectomy, a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on March 6th and, once completed, it will alleviate his uncomfortable symptoms, giving him the opportunity of a better life.

“After this surgery, I believe my life will improve. I will no longer be in constant pain, and I will finally have the strength to work again and provide for my family. I am hopeful that I can return to the farm and live the life I once had without the burden of illness holding me back,” said Atanazio.