Shida has been seen by the doctors at the KCMC Hospital, in KIlimanjaro and they have confirmed she needs surgery on both eyes followed by further surgery in a few weeks time. She has been admitted to the hospital and it is hoped the surgery will take place on Wednesday 30th May. Shida is in good spirits and seems to be enjoying all the attention she is receiving.
Unfortunately the government sponsored programme to provide free surgery for children like Shida has now closed and I received an urgent call from Rev Deuli requesting funds to pay the hospital. Matron has negotiated a reduced rate due the circumstances and the money from Busega Scotland has been sent by Mpesa. This is a system where money is sent by mobile phone credit and the recipient cashes it out at one of the many mobile phone outlets. This system of money transfer works well where few people have access to bank accounts.