Five-year-old Ayubu lives with his parents, three siblings and members of his extended family, in Lushoto, Tanga, Tanzania.
When Ayubu was about a year and a half old, his family noticed that his legs began bowing outward when he started to walk. Initially, they believed it was a natural growth stage that would resolve over time. However, as Ayubu grew older, his condition worsened, and his ability to walk and to stand properly became increasingly challenging.
Ayubu has now been diagnosed with genu varus. This condition is typically caused by the accumulation of excess fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. Because of his condition, Ayubu suffers from impaired mobility, discomfort, and an abnormal gait when he moves around. These all form a barrier to his education and overall social participation, and affect his self esteem.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Ayubu. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 26th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Ayubu’s mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decreasing his risk of future complications and social isolation.
Ayubu’s father says: “I wish for my son to be okay and to get the treatment he needs that will make him have a better future.”
