Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-11 07:54:05
Ssalongo Siraje Ssali, a 42-year-old father of five, was diagnosed with cancer in his eye. It all started during the first lockdown when he noticed a small swelling on his eye. Initially, he ignored it but as it became itchy, he couldn’t help but scratch it. Despite visiting several clinics for medication to relieve the itching and pain, the swelling continued to grow.
Fear of high medical expenses kept Ssali from seeking proper treatment as he continued to work as a boda boda rider to provide for his family. He would wear sunglasses to cover the swelling and try to push past the discomfort. However, in September last year, the situation took a turn for the worse as pus began to ooze from his eye, rendering him unable to work.
Desperate for relief, Ssali sought help from a friendly health worker who would drain the pus at a lower cost. But the temporary relief was always short-lived as the pus would accumulate again, causing unbearable headaches. It wasn’t until his brother, Afiza Makayi, convinced him to seek better medical care at Mulago National Referral Hospital that a proper diagnosis was made.
After a biopsy, it was determined that Ssali had abnormal (cancer) cells causing an overgrowth of tissue in his eye. Surgery was recommended as the best course of action to alleviate his symptoms and prevent the pus from leaking into his brain. However, the cost of the surgery was estimated at Shs10m, a sum that Ssali and his family could not afford.
In a plea for help, Makayi reached out to well-wishers to provide financial support for his brother’s life-saving surgery. Anyone willing to help can send mobile money to the numbers 0704928741 or 0759225950.
The urgency of the situation is clear, as Ssali not only needs relief from his excruciating headaches but also faces a serious risk of complications if the surgery is delayed. With the support of compassionate individuals, Ssali can receive the treatment he desperately needs to overcome this challenging health crisis. Let us come together to help Ssalongo Siraje Ssali in his fight against cancer and give him a chance at a healthier future.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
