Jackson is a young student from Tanzania. He is the firstborn child in a family of five children. His father says he is a hard-working working boy at home and school. Jackson helps look after his siblings when his parents are not around and he also goes out with his father’s cattle to seek green pasture during the weekends when he is not at school. His parents are small scale farmers and livestock keepers with a limited income. For the past week, Jackson has had an inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him pain and if not treated may result in intestinal tissue damage Fortunately, on October 16th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $539 to fund Jackson's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Jackson says, “The swelling is causing me so much pain at night and walking has been difficult. I look forward to feeling better.”

Mee is a 53-years-old woman who lives with her husband and two daughters who are studying in grade nine and six at a local high school. Mee’s husband is a carpenter and she is a homemaker. Their income is not enough to cover their expenses. About ten years ago, Mee had joint pain and swollen knees. She went to Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) where she received blood test and vital signs. The results showed Mee has hypertension as well as arthritis. She also found out that she has a goiter related problem. She received one month worth of medication for all three conditions. Since then, Mee went back to MTC every month for follow-up appointment and to received medication. After three years of taking medication, Mee was told that she does not need to take medication for goiter anymore. Up until now, Mee has been going back to the same clinic for regular medication for her goiter. Meanwhile, Mee feels like her goiter has grown bigger. One day, she happened to meet a health worker in her village who told her to go and seek treatment at MTC. So Mee, along with her friend, went to MTC. From there, she was told to go to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) for further investigation. Mee then went to MSH the following day and she received blood tests and an ultrasound. With the results, the doctor confirmed Mee has a goiter. He said Mee needs to undergo surgery because oral medication or injection would not decrease the size of her goiter. Currently, Mee cannot sleep well but she can eat well. Sometimes, when she carries heavy things, she feels pain in her neck.

Kenyonyozi has lived with mass on her vagina for the past three years. This mass bleeds and protrudes whenever she walks thus making her movements uncomfortable. She has had a poor quality of life due to this condition and if not treated complications like anemia may occur. Kenyonyozi had been to the hospital and was diagnosed with cystocele. The doctors recommended surgical treatment but since was unable to get surgery as she had no money. She continued to live with her condition. Having heard of the SAFE surgical program at Nyakibale, she decided to come see if there is a possibility for support if possible. She was diagnosed with cystocele, recommended to undergo colporrhaphy treatment and was admitted to the SAFE program for support for a better quality of health. Kenyonyozi is 69 years old married mother to eight children. Six daughters married and two sons who are causal labours. Her husband is a bedridden elderly man who can’t do any work due to old age. Kenyonyozi works as a small scale farmer but has recently stopped because of her condition. This has hindered her income and she can’t afford the costs of her surgery. Kenyonyozi says, “I hope to get better after surgery and continue with cultivation.”