Kisoro, Uganda – Rwandan girl, Denise Iradukunda, 8, fights for life amid serious health issues – suspected meningitis, viral encephalitis, deep viral thrombosis, and malnutrition – and urgently needs support.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Denise is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kisoro Hospital in Kisoro District, Uganda, where she has been receiving medical care since May 3rd this year.
According to Claire Atuheire, a medical worker attending to Denise, the young girl arrived at the hospital in critical condition, unable to communicate, eat, or respond to her surroundings.
Initially, she was referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for advanced treatment, where doctors initiated medical intervention and advised a specialized diet necessary for her recovery.
However, her mother and caregiver, Odeta Zayinabu, faced significant financial hurdles, struggling to afford the specialized nutrition and care prescribed by doctors, further complicating Denise’s road to recovery.
With the financial burden of staying in Mbarara becoming overwhelming, Zayinabu was forced to make the difficult decision to return to Kisoro Hospital, a move further complicated by the significant challenge of securing transportation amidst the family’s dire financial situation.
Atuheire emphasized that Denise still urgently needs to return to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where specialist surgeons can further assess and treat her condition.
Unfortunately, her mother, Odeta Zayinabu, is faced with an impossible financial situation, lacking the resources to facilitate the crucial transfer to Mbarara or cover the mounting medical expenses, leaving Denise’s future hanging precariously in the balance.
During a visit to the ICU, Kali James, a representative of the Red Cross Kisoro Branch, and Pascy Ainembabazi, the chairperson of Seseme Girls’ Secondary School Red Cross Link, offered some assistance but acknowledged it was far from sufficient to meet Denise’s critical medical needs.
James made a heartfelt appeal to people in both Uganda and Rwanda to come together and contribute towards Denise’s treatment and care.
“We urge everyone to support Denise’s treatment and care. Her condition requires specialized attention, and we cannot afford to let her slip away,” James said in an emotional appeal.
Cue in… James on the child. RR
Meanwhile, Odeta Zayinabu, Denise’s mother, expressed her growing anguish and deep concern about her daughter’s rapidly deteriorating health conditions, her voice cracking with emotion as she pleaded for help to save her child’s life.
“I’m struggling to afford even basic supplies like gloves, and I have no money for further medical treatment. I’m grateful to the medical team at Kisoro Hospital for their efforts, but I need help to save my daughter’s life,” Zayinabu said, fighting back tears.
Cue in … Zayinabu. RR
As Denise’s condition continues to worsen, her family and caregivers are counting on the generosity of well-wishers to support her treatment and care.
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