Bashir’s Story

In August of 2023, Bashir Wanume, then a 13-year-old enrolled in the WE Educate program, came to an event at the WE Restore Home. For two years prior to the event, Bashir had been suffering from headaches, stomach pain and other symptoms. His growth was stunted. No one in his village of Musima could diagnose Bashir’s condition.

Shortly before the event, Bashir’s mother, Fazira, took Bashir to Jinja for a diagnosis. It turns out that bashir was suffering not only from typhoid and malaria, but also had peptic ulcers.

While each of these conditions are treatable, Fazira was not able to pay for any of the necessary treatments. She convinced Children’s Hospital to provide an initial course of treatment, promising to come back the next day to pay for the first course of treatment and subsequent treatments. Since she had no money, Fazira never returned with payment.

At the WE Empower gathering in August 2023, the WE International staff noticed Bashir was wearing a scarf wrapped around his right hand covering up his IV port through which he received an initial treatment. Once the WE International staff heard about Bashir’s diagnosis, Annet Ajambo, the nurse at the WE Restore Home, took action. She adminitered intravenous and oral treatment and provided follow up care.

One year later Bashir was no longer suffering from the effects of malaria or typhoid, although he continued to take medication for his ulcers. With his improved health, he has grown and is thriving in school. At age 14, Bashir continued to study at Busoga Junior School and was in Primary 7. His favorite subjects are science and English. He aspires to be an engineer.