Calistus is a 10-year-old boy from Kenya.
Born at home in a remote area, his mother noticed a month later that Calistus was not passing urine normally. A visit to a hospital confirmed that Calistus had hypospadias, a congenital condition affecting the urethra. Hypospadias causes urinary dysfunction and, without treatment, poses a risk of infertility and ongoing discomfort for Calistus.
Surgery was recommended but the family was unable to afford treatment at that time. About a year later, in 2015, Calistus was examined at a mobile clinic team, referred for further evaluation, and advised to secure government health insurance. The family continued to face financial constraints, delaying Calistus’ treatment. In 2022, Calistus underwent the first stage of a two-stage surgery, but follow-up care was delayed due to the family’s financial circumstances. Complications arose, requiring additional procedures to repair the scarring before the second surgery could be scheduled.
Now, Calistus is scheduled for the final corrective surgery on November 15th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $841 to cover his procedure and care costs.
Calistus’mother says, “He is growing up and knows he has a problem. This is affecting him and how he interacts with his friends.”
