For two weeks, Umar’s family resorted to herbal medication to cure, but the abdominal distress only worsened as days passed. With the gravity of the pain increasing after the third week, his family rushed the primary six pupil to the regional hospital and after multiple tests, Umar was diagnosed with typhoid intestinal perforation – one of the leading fatal complications of typhoid fever.

Three holes found on his intestines allowed air, food and fluid to seep into his abdomen, causing severe complications and impairing the functioning of his kidney. Surgeons performed an urgent operation to seal the holes but after a few days, Umar’s body system resisted antibiotic medication. Even worse, a fourth hole emerged, further jeopardising his fragile health and requiring a second surgical operation.

Two other patients in the ward had the same intestinal perforation disease and were fighting for their lives. Dr. George Anneh, a medical officer at the hospital, said community health education is needed to minimise and prevent the incidence of typhoid intestinal perforation, caused by bacteria from contaminated water or food infecting the digestive system and lining of the abdomen.

“Umar’s current health challenge is that his body is rejecting the antibiotics, so the medication is not assimilating into his body to treat the infection and help him heal faster plus his renal impairment is complicating his recovery,” said Dr. Anneh. The disease is common in communities with low socioeconomic conditions that lack constant access to safe water.

Umar’s family has reached the breaking point in their finances as they struggle to raise funds for his medication, surgeries and recovery. As part of Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Homecoming Initiative aimed at absolving the medical bills of indebted patients in selected government hospitals across the country, the telecommunications giant will clear Umar’s arrears and support his treatment, together with 40 other indebted patients in the hospital.

In the Northern belt of Ghana, Telecel is supporting a total of 75 patients burdened by unpaid medical expenses in three hospitals – Northern Regional Hospital, Upper East Regional Hospital and Nandom St. Theresa Hospital.

Since its introduction in 2011, Homecoming, which forms part of Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Connected Health Programme, has become a cherished annual tradition which facilitates the discharge of about 200 patients from government hospitals annually. It’s being carried out in three phases, targeting hospitals in northern, middle, and southern belts of Ghana.

Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, said “Umar’s situation is critical and every moment counts. We believe in the importance of access to healthcare. No child should have to suffer because their family can’t afford treatment. We hope our contribution can help Umar on his path to full recovery.”

Umar’s uncle, Abdul Moomen said he was grateful to Telecel Ghana Foundation for the financial support and care package. “Thank you for coming to our aid at this critical time of Umar’s life as he’s lost his father recently. The family appreciates the kindness, and we pray it helps to heal him,” he said, looking into his nephew’s eyes as he lay still on the hospital bed staring into the white ceiling of the surgical ward with the unflinching hope of becoming a doctor in future.