The child often fainted, skin turned bluish

Over 37 million people globally suffer rheumatic heart disease with 97 per cent of the cases in developing countries. [iStockphoto]

Nancy and Japheth Mutai's ailing son started having complications at six months. He would frequently faint, was emaciated, had pale skin and delayed growth milestones.

Medics in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties said Boaz Korir was malnourished and advised better nutrition on which the Mutais spent over Sh200,000 but their child's condition got worse and the skin turned bluish.