Vastine is a small scale farmer from Uganda. She is 39 years old and is currently expecting her fifth child. Vastine completed her primary education but, due to financial constraints, could not pursue further studies. During holidays, she decided to marry. As the eldest of seven siblings, all of whom are married except one engaged in casual labor. Vastine is from a farming family with both parents still actively involved in agriculture. Her husband, a casual worker in town, strives to support the family financially. Although limited by resources, she has a particular interest in poultry, maintaining a modest flock of approximately five hens. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Vastine presented herself at the antenatal clinic. Her first two births occurred in 2007 and 2010, both via C-section. Subsequently, in 2013 and 2017, she experienced miscarriages. In 2015, she successfully delivered her third child naturally, and in 2020, she had her last child through another C-section. Throughout her current pregnancy, she has diligently attended antenatal clinics at Nyakibale Hospital seven times for the comprehensive care package. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because this is a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Vastine undergo a C-Section on December 1st. This procedure will cost $252, and Vastine needs your support to ensure a safe delivery. Vastine says, “I wish I can deliver my baby alive and in good health under the support of the donors. I cannot afford the bills for this surgery on my own.”

Kondwani is a 34-year-old farmer and fisherman from Malawi. He is married with two sons aged twelve and seven years. Kondwani never went to school but is keen to support his children's education so they can have better opportunities in the future. Kondwani finds pleasure in fishing, and enjoys a meal of nsima made from cassava flour, and roasted fish. Six months ago, Kondwani was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The issue began with a minor swelling that led him to seek treatment at a local hospital. However, he was unable to receive immediate treatment because of the hospital's lengthy waiting list and his financial constraints. The swelling has since enlarged, causing him significant pain and making it difficult for him to perform his everyday tasks. Kondwani visited our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PiH), where he was examined and surgery recommended. Kondwani however lacks the funds required for the surgical procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Kondwani receive treatment. On April 16th, Kondwani will undergo hernia repair surgery at PiH, alleviating the pain and enabling Kondwani to live more comfortably and confidently after recovery. Now, Kondwani needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Kondwani says, “I look forward to continue working and supporting my family after surgery.”

Elizabeth, who is seven months old, lives with her parents and two older brothers in a small house in Haiti, that they share with other relatives. Both of her parents are farmers. Elizabeth has a cardiac condition called atrioventricular septal defect. A large hole exists in the center of her heart, which affects all four of the heart's chambers. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving Elizabeth weak and unable to gain weight. Elizabeth will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. As she is too small and weak to undergo major surgery to completely correct her condition, on April 9th she will have a procedure, during which the doctors at Hospital CEDIMAT will implant a shunt, that will allow oxygenated blood to circulate through her body. This will stabilize Elizabeth's condition so that she can continue to grow and gain weight until she can more safely undergo a complete repair in several years. While another organization is contributing money to pay for Elizabeth's surgery, our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is seeking your help to fund the $1,500 needed to cover the costs of Elizabeth's pre and post-operative care and for the documents and travel costs for Elizabeth, her family, and the social workers that will accompany the family. Elizabeth's mother said: "Our daughter's heart condition has been very stressful for our family, and we are very thankful to know that there may be a way to solve it!"