Eyob is a 21-month-old toddler from Ethiopia. He is a cute baby boy who loves to play with other children. His dad is a security guard in a factory, while his mom is a housewife who occasionally washes clothes for neighbors to supplement the family income which is just enough to meet their basic needs.
Eyob’s family shared that he was born prematurely at only 1.3 kg. His dad is experiencing a lot of stress because of his child’s condition and his inability to pay for his son’s treatment. As a result, he left his family for a while but recently reunited with them. His mum suffers from high blood pressure and heart disease.
Shortly after his birth, Eyob developed a swelling and couldn’t wear trousers due to it. Eyob has been diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him a bulge that is visible only when he is crying, coughing or straining during a bowel movement. In addition, he can be irritable, have a low appetite, experience burning or aching sensations. His mom took him to a private clinic but couldn’t afford the ultrasound fee, and she returned home crying. After a while, she told her doctor about her baby’s case and the physician called another doctor he knew and asked about the fee for the surgery. The doctor told her that his hospital would perform the surgery but it would cost her more than 40,000.00 birr, about $700.
Eyob’s mom went back home crying and frustrated. A friend told her to try one more time and go to another health centre. They went there and a doctor and nurse told them it could be corrected; they had interacted with a social worker from Bethany Kids Myungsung Christian Medical Cetnre (BKMCM) who informed them that the partner hospital supports treatment of such conditions for families that cannot afford the treatment. Fortunately, on September 25th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner’s care center.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $591 to fund Eyob’s surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Eyob to live more comfortably and confidently as he grows.
Eyob’s mom said, “We are highly affected psychologically. I always cry looking at my baby. My husband left the house rather than look at his child in such a condition, even though he loves his family. I hope my child will heal after the surgery. I have faith in God.”