Breathe new life into Iba’s life

In 2019, Iba’s life is turned upside down by illness
After several weeks, even months, of persistent flu symptoms, Iba is examined at a clinic near his family home. After several check-ups, he was immediately referred to the Hôpital Mère-Enfant “Le Luxembourg” (HMEL) in Mali. At this pediatric referral center, he was quickly taken care of and given a better diagnosis. Since birth, Iba has suffered from a serious heart defect: atrial septal defect and mitral cleft.

Iba’s heart prevents him from breathing properly
In Iba’s case, the partition separating the two atria of the heart, normally hermetic after birth, is not watertight. As a result, oxygenated and non-oxygenated blood meet and mix, leading to dilation of the right side of his heart and heavy pressure on his lungs. A condition that explains his recurrent shortness of breath. In his CE2 class, although very calm by nature, he sometimes loses his temper and withdraws for minor annoyances. Iba is then out of breath and has no choice but to wait to recover. But in the long run, this disease doesn’t just hinder his ability to breathe… it threatens his life!

Without surgery, Iba’s life is threatened
Fortunately, an operation could cure Iba’s heart and relieve his lungs. The Centre André Festoc (within HMEL), built by La Chaîne de l’Espoir, is home to a technical platform dedicated to pediatric cardiac surgery. Dr Paul Neville and his medical team regularly travel there to carry out surgical missions. On this occasion, they could take charge of little Iba. But to carry out this operation, we need to raise an incompressible sum of around €5,000 (the equivalent of 3,500,000 CFA).

Give Iba a new lease on life!
His mother, who is raising him and his two brothers on her own, can’t afford to give her son the operation that could save his life. But together, with your generosity, we could form the chain of solidarity that will enable Iba to sing with barely a voice again!