Kiiza is an 84-year-old man from Uganda who currently lives with an epigastric hernia. He has been unable to afford going to the hospital to have it fixed.
Kiiza sells piped water for a living, and has relatives and neighbors who check in on him from time to time.
Kiiza often feels heavy after eating, and his discomfort prevents him from sleeping well. “I live alone and the hernia pains me,” says Kiiza.
A hernia occurs when an internal organ pokes through the abdomen wall, causing severe pain. If left untreated, a hernia can cause intestinal blockage or prevent blood from reaching vital parts of his intestines.
For $220, Kiiza will receive a surgery in which the herniated tissue will be repositioned. The muscle wall will be repaired with synthetic tissue. After surgery, Kiiza will be able to work and sleep without discomfort. Kiiza looks forward to regaining his strength after his treatment.