A 58-year-old woman from Kaironi village in Nambale sub county, Busia County is living in pain after her right leg swelled. Teresa Amoit says the problem started in 1966 as small boils before the whole leg swelled with time.
However, lack of enough funds has prevented her from seeking proper medication, “Whenever I go to hospital I’m required to pay money which I don’t have.” Her husband divorced her many years ago and she is currently living with a good samaritan, Mrs. Jane Aoke. “I took her as my daughter but she is going through a lot of pain. The leg discharges smelly fluids and maggots and if you are not strong hearted you cannot live with her. She needs urgent medical attention.”
Meanwhile, in Samia sub county, a standard seven pupil at Bujwang’a primary school needs financial assistance to undergo medication after his right leg swelled. Samson Bwire said his leg started itching in 2013 before swelling. His mother, Beljilia Nabwire says she has tried to take her son to various hospitals but they ask for a lot of money which she doesn’t have.”I have tried to take him to hospitals but he has never been attended to because of lack of money. Some doctors from Kisumu also took samples from the leg and said they will go and do tests to determine the disease but up to today they haven’t returned results.”
His deputy headteacher John Ojwang said he is a clever pupil whose dream is being killed by the unknown disease. “He is an average boy who does well in class despite the swollen leg. Sometimes when you are teaching his leg starts paining and it forces him to ask for permission to go home to look for medication and when he is taken to hospital, they ask for money which the mother doesn’t have.”
The pupil has joined hands with his mother, his teacher and locals led by Eve Okumu to appeal to the government and well wishers for help so that he can undergone proper test and subsequent medication.”My mother has really struggled with me. I have really suffered until I have reached a point where I have turned to God to save me. I ask for anybody who can help me to do so in order for me to get treatment.”
“This boy needs assistance and we call on anybody of good heart and the government to come to his aid so that he can be treated and continue with with his normal life,” pleaded the teacher as Mrs. Okumu appealed to any doctor or medical practitioner who understands the condition to help the family get treatment, “Such cases are on the rise in Busia County and we are calling for help because these people are really suffering as they also languish in poverty.”