In an uplifting turn of events, a six-year-old boy residing in Sonde, Mukono district, is on the verge of undergoing heart surgery at Mulago Hospital next week. This operation comes after a lifelong struggle with a congenital condition.
Henry Kizito recently received a diagnosis of an Atrial Septal Defect (commonly known as a hole in the heart), a condition believed to have been present since his birth. Despite facing financial challenges and the daunting prospect of an expensive surgical procedure, the family’s hopes have now been restored by the intervention of the Keddi Foundation. This philanthropic organization, led by Stephen Keddi, has stepped forward to cover the entire cost of the surgery. On a Friday afternoon, Stephen Keddi, accompanied by his family and foundation executives, visited Henry Nsubuga’s family to deliver the necessary Shs 35 million for the upcoming surgery.
The corrective surgery is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 17th at the Uganda Heart Institute within the premises of Mulago Hospital.
During a gathering attended by numerous residents and young friends of Kizito, Mr. Nsubuga, Henry’s father, shared their journey. He revealed that it was only in June of this year that they became aware of their son’s condition after six years of unknowing struggle. Throughout those years, they repeatedly sought medical attention, believing their son was afflicted with mere infections. The family spent between Shs 200,000 and 300,000 per month on medicines.
As Henry turned six, they temporarily halted the treatment, only for his condition to deteriorate rapidly. A comprehensive check at a hospital in Ntinda, for which they paid Shs 270,000, finally unveiled the truth – their son had a hole in his heart. They were subsequently referred to Mulago Hospital’s Heart Institute, where the diagnosis was confirmed. They were informed that $10,000 was needed for the surgery. They also faced the possibility of travelling to India for valve insertion if further delays occurred.
Ritah, Kizito’s mother, expressed the heartache she felt upon receiving the diagnosis.
The Keddi Foundation became involved after NTV journalist Andrew Kyamagero highlighted the family’s predicament, bringing it to the foundation’s attention.
Mr. Kyamagero recounted, “The family reached out to me a few days ago; I reviewed the documentation and visited Mulago Hospital to verify the situation. That’s when I contacted Hon Keddi, who graciously agreed to provide assistance.”
At the event, Mr. Keddi clarified that their support for this family aligns with the foundation’s ongoing endeavours, backed by international partners. He disclosed that a total of $10 million has been allocated by the foundation to aid Ugandans in need. These funds are directed towards various causes, encompassing education support, disaster response, and healthcare interventions. Notably, $1.2 million is specifically earmarked to assist individuals urgently requiring cancer and heart treatments.
Mr. Keddi emphasized, “We are driven by the understanding that the government is facing numerous challenges; the recent loss of funding from the World Bank is a prime example. We recognise that the government’s capacity to provide immediate assistance is limited.”
Charles Mutaasa Kafeero, the coordinator of the Keddi Foundation, called upon fellow Ugandans who possess the means to participate in initiatives like this. He underlined the untapped potential within the African community to contribute significantly.
During the event, the foundation not only provided financial aid but also delivered an array of essential household items to the Nsubuga family. These items included mattresses, bedding, food, and educational materials.
