Meet David, a 23-year-old from Kenya. David relies on casual labour to make ends meet. He takes up jobs such as digging pit latrines, tilling, or any other work that comes along. His family background is poverty-stricken. David shared that his father is an alcoholic and has sold most of the family properties including even cooking utensils. His mother separated from his father. David and his 6 siblings did not manage to go to school as their parents could not manage to raise school fees.
David currently struggles to pass urine. Six years ago, David was started developing problems and his condition worsened in 2017. He was reviewed at Maua Hospital and referred to Watsi Partner Kijabe Hospital. Through national health insurance funding, he had first stage urethroplasty in 2018 and doctors advised him to return for follow up and second stage surgery. However, due to financial difficulties, he could not manage to come back to the hospital.
In 2020, he returned after fundraising for transport and hospital appointment charges. He now requires surgery but is not able to raise the funds required and is still has difficulties due to his condition. David had to be supported with bus fare to travel to Kijabe, 6-hour journey from his village, and he appeals for financial assistance.
David says, “My hope is to be treated fully. I want to marry but I feel any lady would not want to settle down with me in my current condition.”
