Mother needs Sh200,000 to save son's life

A one-year-old child with a rare medical condition requires Sh200,000 for an operation to correct it.

Britney Otieno's life is in danger as he was born with a tiny hole in his anus making excretion difficult. His mother, Maurine Atieno, realised her child had the problem six months after birth.

Maureen Atieno with her one year old child Britney Otieno who was born without anus. The mother hails from Migori county is now living in difficult circumstance since she cannot raise Sh 200,000 for operation. (PHOTO: COLLINS ODUOR/ STANDARD)

"I did not realise that my son had a problem because the stool was in liquid form, since I was breastfeeding him exclusively. When I introduced him to porridge, I realised he could not pass stool," she said.

Ms Atieno said the condition became worse by the day and the child started having seizures while excreting through his nose.

"I rushed him to a hospital in Migori County, where we live, but I was told his situation was complicated. I went to Tenwek and was referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital," she said.

The doctors realised her son's intestines had burst and an urgent operation was needed to help him live.

"I was told to give a deposit of Sh30,000 but the full operation cost Sh48,000. I begged them to save my child's life as I looked for money, which my father found and paid," said Atieno.

An opening was created in Otieno's stomach through which he can pass stool.

Another operation was done at Sh25,000. "After every two weeks, I take the child to a clinic in Eldoret where I spend about Sh5,000 yet I am jobless with no source of income. This month I have not had money to take him to hospital," she said.

Atieno said she used to work in a salon but had to stop since Otieno's condition required undivided attention. "If the excretion comes out when I am not there, I find maggots around the opening. My father is the one who pays my rent but I survive through well wishers," she said.

She said her children's father does not support her in any way, and that after she became pregnant, the man fled. "I would like to see my child live a normal life just like my three other children," she said.

Migori County Health Director Odhiambo Gondi said the child needs an operation known as a colostomy, whereby the large intestine is brought out through the abdomen.

"One can last with colostomy for a year, two or even forever like in the case of cancer patients. What is important is the care the child is receiving as the mother raises funds," he said. Atieno can be reached on 0729 827359.