Meet Mesaidi, a three-month-old baby girl from Kenya.
Mesaidi has acquired hydrocephalus, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) tells us. “One month after her birth, her mother noticed that her head was increasing in size at a high rate and after several keen observations she decided to seek medical intervention,” they share.
Hydrocephalus occurs as a result of a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The extra fluid increases the pressure on the brain, and can have long-term consequences such as delayed development, brain damage, and eventually death. Mesaidi is currently displaying signs of irritability and restlessness, both early effects of the condition.
With $615, doctors are able to correct this problem by inserting a small shunt into Mesaidi’s brain. The shunt will work to drain extra fluid from her brain into another body cavity, like the abdomen, where it will be absorbed normally. By removing the excess fluid, the shunt will decrease the pressure on her brain.
“My only plea is that we will get funding for Mesaidi’s surgery because we have no means,” shares Mesaidi’s mother. She works as a tailor while Mesaidi’s father works as a mason, and their combined income provides only for the family’s basic needs.
The funds will cover surgical supplies, medicines, and her hospital bed and meals for 5 days. The surgery will relieve the pressure on the brain and Mesaidi will no longer be at risk of the long-term damage.