Htun is a 10-year-old boy from Thailand. He lives with his mother and two younger siblings in Tak Province. Htun and his younger brother used to go to school while his younger sister is still too young to go. Since schools closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year, they have stopped their studies. Htun used to help his mother collect anything recyclable from the landfill near their home, which they later sold. However, she and the rest of their community had to stop collecting recyclable items when Thai officials came to talk to their community at the end of December 2020. Since then, they survive off of the 1,000-baht (approx. 33.50 USD) Htun’s older brother sends them each month. He and their father work as day laborers in nearby Phop Phra District.
About a week ago, Htun was playing with his friends close to their house by the landfill. While running, he stepped on something sharp that went into his right heel. When Htun showed his injured heel to his mother, she was able to remove the object. She then borrowed a bottle of antiseptic solution from their neighbor to clean the wound. Htun felt fine after that, though his heel still hurt.
Three days ago, Htun developed a fever and the pain in his heel increased. He was given paracetamol, but his condition continued to deteriorate. His muscles became stiff and he had difficulty moving. When Htun was no longer able to fully open his jaw, had a seizure and had difficulty breathing, he was brought to Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) and admitted immediately. After the medic completed a physical exam, Htun received antibiotics and paracetamol. The medic also cleaned the wound on his heel, which was full of pus, before wrapping it with a bandage. When the medic suspected that Htun was suffering from a severe tetanus infection, Htun was also given a tetanus shot.
The medic referred Htun to Mae Sot Hospital for further treatment. After Htun arrived at the hospital on February 1st, he was admitted right away. When the doctor learned that Htun had suffered a hard blow to his head after he fell out of a rubbish truck six months ago, the doctor wanted Htun to receive a CT scan to confirm if his symptoms were related to the tetanus infection or possibly his earlier fall.
Doctors want Htun to undergo a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $414 to cover the cost of Htun’s CT scan and care, scheduled for February 1st.
Htun’s mother shared, “I have no money, please help my child receive this scan so he can get the care he needs.”
