Oscar is a 28-year-old married man from a village in Lilongwe District in Malawi. He has a young child who is not yet of school age, and relies on small-scale farming to support the family by growing maize, groundnuts, and keeping livestock. One year ago, Oscar noticed an itch in his throat and a slight hoarseness in his voice, initially thinking he was developing a cough. However, he later discovered a small painful swelling that has been gradually getting larger. He did not seek medical help as he had no funds to pay for treatment until his mother heard about a care program when she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Oscar was diagnosed with goiter, and was scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy surgery. The condition has negatively affected his life as the swelling is painful and sometimes, he experiences shortness of breath. Treatment will relieve him of these symptoms, improving the quality of his life. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is helping Oscar receive treatment at their care center. On March 7th surgeons will perform thyroid surgery so he can regain his health. Now, he needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Oscar says, “Thank you for this opportunity, I am looking forward to treatment and recovery.”

Elicy is a 40-year-old married mother of four children aged between two and twenty years. She used to work part-time, doing laundry in people’s homes but due to her illness, she is unable to continue working. Her husband is a casual worker. They live in a rented house that costs about $4.75 per month. Elicy loves spending time with her husband and enjoying local meals. In 2019, Elicy observed swelling near her belly button region that was causing discomfort during her daily tasks. She sought medical attention at a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition where tissue protrudes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge near the navel. Surgery was recommended, but she had to return home and wait for the opportunity to undergo treatment. By the end of 2023, the swelling and pains had worsened, and her physical laundry work was exacerbating the symptoms. At the hospital, she was recommended rest and advised to avoid strenuous activities while awaiting surgery, which significantly impacted her earnings. Earlier this month, she decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where the diagnosis of umbilical hernia was confirmed, requiring surgical intervention. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Elicy receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery providing her the opportunity for a healthier, pain-free life. Now, Elicy needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Elicy says, “I can’t wait to be well again, my husband needs my support to provide for the family.”

Anitah is sociable woman from Uganda. She is a mother to three children - all her children are in school, the eldest in primary school class three and the youngest attending baby class. Her parents are farmers, and she is the fifth child in a family of eight, with six brothers and one sister, all of whom are married and engaged in farming too. At university, Anitah pursued a diploma in crafts and digital design. However, despite her qualifications, she struggled to secure employment in her field and now focuses on homemaking duties such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for her children. Her husband is a businessman specializing in roadside meat roasting. They reside in a three-room semi-permanent house constructed with mud and reeds in the Kasozi Rwempisyi trading center. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting her fourth child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of her higher risk pregnany. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Anitah undergo a C-Section on February 16th. This procedure will cost $252, and Anitah needs your support. Anitah says, “I am hopeful that if I get support, I will be able to deliver well, have a live baby and continue hustling, looking for jobs to sustain my family.”