Thomas

Thomas is 5 years old. In 2018, he became an orphan when he lost his mother who suffered from noma. Thomas is living with his grandmother for now, but without further support, she won't be able to provide for him. We visited Thomas and his grandmother in February of 2019 and had to transfer him to a local hospital, because he had to be treated for critical exanthema. He recovered well and is back with his grandmother. We hope to help enable Thomas to continue living with his relatives and are seeking a committed sponsor to partially cover costs alimentation, medical supplies (if needed), housing and tuition.

Goodness

Goodness is affected by albinism. Without protective sun screen and clothing that covers her entire body, she is unable to participate in normal everyday activities. People born with this particular genetic disorder are often mistreated and sometimes even cast out from their homes, families or villages. Goodness’ is living in a family unable to provide special clothing or protective sun screen but like all children she is eager to be outside and play.

Tresor

Tresor is 18 years old and suffered from Poliomyelitis as a kid. Today he lives on his own with three other boys in a small house in Goma. Tresor has graduated Ecole Secondaire (Secondary School) and is now attending university. His tuition fees are sponsored by our charity.

Noma - The face of poverty

Affected by the disease are mostly children in the poorest countries of this world. This bacterial infection pertains especially children, whose immune systems are weakened by malnutrition, pre-existing illnesses and bad sanitary conditions. Noma destroys facial tissue and bones. Often, the children are hidden by their relatives fearing for embarrassment, ignorance and helplessness. According to the WHO, the number of Noma victims is 100,000 children per year. 80% of the infected die from consequences of the disease (e.g. sepsis, fever, neglect).

With improved nutrition, access to clean water and supply of antibiotics, the survival rate is nearly at 100%. “Help for Congo Kids e. V.” wants to educate about Noma in accessible villages within the
Democratic Republic of Congo.

A new nose

In March 2017, we met this young girl begging and ill with Noma. She was physically weak, had respiratory problems and suffered from social isolation. As a child, she had been infected with Noma and the disease has destroyed parts of her face. With the support of “Help for Congo Kids e. V.”, she could be medically treated in Germany.

Since an operation was not possible at that moment, she got an epitasis for now. With the new artificial nose, she is very happy to have a complete face again. In the future, we would like to invite her again to Germany to enable a full reconstruction of her nose.