Reclaiming health for Lahiruni

Thursday, 17 December 2009

Lahiruni (8) suffered from a rare skin disease since the age of four. The infection that spread in her scalp and her elbows stole four years of her childhood making her backward and withdrawn from friends.

“The rash on her head was painful and she could not lay her head and sleep in peace. Her hair became discoloured and began to fall,” says Champika, Lahiruni’s mother.

The active bundle of joy slowly began to withdraw from her friends, scared to be cornered and treated differently.

“We referred her to the Government Hospital in Horowpothana,” says the mother, “She received treatment and was cured temporally. But after sometime it came out again and became worse.”

During this time World Vision annual health clinic for children was taking its rounds and Champika brought her little daughter to be examined.

“The doctor at the medical clinic realised the seriousness of Lahiruni’s condition and immediately referred her to a specialist in the General Hospital, Anuradhapura.

“The doctor told me that all her hair might fall off if we do not go for quick treatment,” says Champika.

“I am grateful to World Vision and the Sponsorship for supporting Lahiruni receive treatment,” were the words of Mrs. Champika Manel the mother of Lahiruni.

In addition to regaining her health, World Vision also helps Lahiruni stay in school. She receives school equipment that would be necessary for her through the year.

Last year’s medical clinic benefitted 2000 children and referred, identified 678 children for special medical treatment. Among the activities under the health sector World Vision also supported families with special medical needs, worked towards awareness and prevention of Thalassaemia and renal failures, completed a clinic room for the community and conducted nutrition programmes.

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