The family advised the mother to get rid of Emmanuel

TEXT: MAGNE REIGSTAD PHOTO: EMERU LAMECH

Today, Emmanuel stumbles around the village with a mark on his lower back after an operation that in more ways than one saved his life. Those who do not know his story will meet ordinary little boy who is curious about visitors and plays like other children. Emmanuel was born with what is called spina bifida, and was an outcast at home in the village for the large lump on the back of the little boy was a frightening sight. Emmanuel was the first in the village to be born with such.

The family had come to terms with the fact that it was not possible for their child to get relevant help from the health services in Lira, but everything changed when the family came in contact with our people at the Lira Rehabilitation Center. Then things finally started to happen for the good of both Emanuel and his parents.

Unfortunately, this is a pattern of action that our employees often get described when parents with sick children come to the Adina center. Poor people from the villages outside the regional capital Lira strive to provide their children with the medical help they want and need.

Today, there is only a smile to be seen in her mother when she talks about Emmanuel, but she remembers all too well the "advice" she received from the people of the village and from her immediate family.

- They told me to get rid of the boy because he was like a curse, but I did not. Sometimes I woke up at night and asked why God let me go through this. Today, when I see the boy walking around the village, I find it difficult to tell everyone about the joy I feel inside me, says the mother.

Emmanuel underwent surgery at our partner Cure. The boy has the best prognosis for being able to grow up and live a normal life because he was operated on so early, but our people know that there are too many young people who do not receive help in time with more or less serious physical limitations.