Posted by Francesca Fionda
Freddy with UBC medical student, Prabhroop Kaur Sidhu and the Nakaseke Lifecare staff in Uganda
Like many cardiac patients, Freddy requires lifesaving surgery. The difference is Freddy is only ten years old and is growing up in rural Uganda, one of the poorest communities in the world. Fortunately, the persistence of UBC Medical students has fast-tracked Freddy’s case and increased his chances of survival.
Acting as an advocate for Freddy, UBC Medical student Prabhroop Kaur Sidhu collaborated the efforts of a number of local and international organizations.
“I questioned why as society we have allowed it to be normal and justifiable to accept a preventable death just because of someone’s birth location. If we have the means and the innovative technology to save lives, why not share these resources?” After many long-distance phone calls and convincing emails, Freddy is now in stable condition awaiting surgery.
Sidhu met Freddy in Uganda as part of a UBC Global Health Initiative (GHI) team consisting of four medical students. It was there, during a UBC sponsored free community health day, that the severity of Freddy’s cardiac condition became apparent. Lack of funding aside, Freddy’s situation is unique. His heart condition is complex and the Ugandan Heart Institute is simply not equipped with the expertise, training or the equipment to provide a long-term solution. Sidhu felt compelled to help, “We were told by the cardiologist that he needed to be taken somewhere else for surgery, such as India, South Africa or the United States”. Throughout the long process, many individuals and organizations hoped to provide support. Along with other members of the UBC GHI team and staff and nursing students who had been treating Freddy in Uganda, organizations like Sawa World and Gift of Life International grew invested and involved in Freddy’s story. You can watch a video of Freddy and his journey at the Sawa World website http://www.sawaworld.org/jude-ntege (Click August 2011).
Freddy and his family have begun the process to obtain passports, a translator, transportation and financial assistance. Sidhu is hopeful Freddy will receive surgery soon and her efforts will help pave the way for other children who require cardiac surgery in the Nakaseke District.
Francesca Fionda
Program Coordinator, Sawa Leader Program