While some of her mates are in school learning and playing, eight-year-old pupil of Bethel Nursery and Primary School (ECWA) in Ilorin, Asmau Abdulsalam, writhes in pains.
Her hope of becoming a medical doctor appears threatened as she oftentimes does not attend school on account of frequent ill-health…
Her mother, Zainab, said she initially was feeling hot and was vomiting, which made them to take her to a private hospital for medicare.
According to her, she was initially suspected to be suffering from malaria and was then treated but further diagnosis proved that she has holes in the heart.
According to her, it has not been easy for her and her husband, Mamud, to take care of Asmau more-so with two other children.
The Punch reports that Zainab, who said she and her husband are civil servants in Kwara State and hail from Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of the state, said they had sold all their property and life savings to treat their daughter.
She said, “We have spent the proceeds of our land and other property for her treatment. I appeal to Nigerians to assist us. She used to feel hot. When they gave her treatment in the hospital, after three weeks, she was still not responding well. She was believed to be suffering from malaria and they gave her injection. But later, they discovered that there was a problem with her heart. We did the scan which confirmed it.”
According to a medical report from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, signed by Consultant paediatric cardiologist, Dr. M.B. Abdulkadir, the girl was diagnosed with holes in the heart (centricular septal defect + patent ductus arterosus).
Abdulkadir said Asmau requires an open heart surgery to close the holes in her heart so as to live a normal life.
“Unfortunately, this procedure cannot be performed in this hospital currently and she has to be referred to India.”
Asmau’s father pleaded with the Federal Government, Kwara State
Government, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, other members of the National and state assemblies as well as groups, organisations, corporate bodies and philanthropists to come to the aid of the ailing girl.
According to him, N20m is required for the primary and secondary operations, flight tickets, logistics and after treatment rehabilitation.
“It has not been easy, we are poor civil servants in Kwara State. Asmau is in Primary Three. She has not been attending school regularly. Sometimes they will call us that she is sick again and that she is vomiting and we will take her to the hospital again.
“I have sold all my belongings to treat my child. I just appeal to Nigerians to assist this child and donate money so that she can be treated for her to live a normal life. About N20m is need for the first and second operations, logistics, and to take care of her after the operation.”
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