Isaka is a 5-year-old from Tanzania who is the third-born in a family of five children. His parents rely on animal husbandry and small-scale farming for their livelihood. Isaka is very active and loves playing football with his friends as they go out to take the cattle for grazing. Isaka has not yet started school and speaks mainly the Maasai language.
Isaka has been diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. When he began walking at the age of two, his parents noticed that both of his legs were bowing outward, a condition that continued over time. Several factors can cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Although Isaka does not currently complain of pain, his walking pattern affects his balance and movement. He has not received treatment before due to limited access to healthcare services. Now, through our medical partner’s care center, he will undergo bilateral proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) surgery, which will help treat the condition and ensure healthy growth and mobility as Isaka gets older. His parents hope this treatment will allow him to start school strong and confident.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Isaka. The procedure will take place on January 9th at our medical partner’s care center, Kafika House. Treatment will restore Isaka’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and significantly decrease his risk of future complications.
Isaka’s father said, “It is our hope that Isaka will grow up with normal legs and be able to play with other children in the community.”

