Jackline Maina, a mother of three boys, embarked on a challenging journey when her youngest son, Clarence Macharia, was born in 2022.

Her joy at welcoming the baby into her life soon turned to concern when, just three days after his birth, she noticed that her son's eyes were yellowing and he was not eating well.

Concerned for her child's well-being, she immediately sought medical advice and was told that the baby had low sugar levels.

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Despite initial medication, the problem persisted, prompting Ms Maina to return to the hospital several times with no improvement.

Finally, she was transferred to the Kenyatta National Hospital for further tests to diagnose the underlying problem.

It was then that the medical team identified a rare condition known as Biliary Atresia, which was affecting Baby Macharia's liver.

"The diagnosis was heartbreaking but I knew I would not give up I decided to take it upon myself to understand the condition and to take care of my baby," says Ms Maina.

Her determination and love for her child led her to find support from dedicated doctors who guided her through this challenging journey, especially after she learned that Baby Macharia needed a liver transplant.

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In her search for help and information, Ms Maina also found solace in a community of parents who had faced similar challenges with their children battling the same disease.

"This helped me get support from other parents and understand the road to recovery, which was emotionally and financially draining," she says.

Having already undergone surgery, baby Macharia is now scheduled for a life-saving liver transplant in India this month, a procedure that will cost Sh8 million.

Ms Maina remains hopeful that her son will emerge victorious from this battle against the disease.

Dr Mostafa Ali notes that the condition is a rare and potentially life-threatening anomaly, emphasising the importance of early detection to prevent not only serious liver complications but also loss of life.

It's a condition that, as Dr Ali points out, is predominantly congenital, making children particularly susceptible.

The grim reality is that the cure for this condition lies in organ transplant, a medical intervention that unfortunately isn't available in the country.

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As a result, patients' families are forced to seek medical care outside the country.

This poignant situation underscores the need for concerted efforts to ensure that those affected have access to the life-saving treatment they so desperately need.

mercykihugu@gmail.com

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Mercy Kihugu