NCD Impact Stories

At 1 PM, the GH Foundation Help Desk received a distress call from Abushiri Ali, a resident of Temeke, Dar es Salaam. In an emotional plea, he shared his heartbreak over his only daughter, Nilam, who was critically ill with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)—a congenital heart condition causing improper blood circulation. After five years of struggling to conceive, Abushiri and his wife were overjoyed when Nilam was born. However, at just three months old, she began experiencing feeding difficulties, excessive sweating, and weakness. Despite seeking treatment at multiple hospitals, her condition remained undiagnosed until she was referred to Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), where surgery was deemed necessary. The required TZS 4.2 million for the procedure was beyond the family’s means. Abushiri, a construction laborer, and his wife, who had to close her small vegetable stall to care for their child, struggled to raise funds. Despite seeking assistance from mosques, churches, and various organizations, they managed to collect only TZS 236,000 over three months. Recognizing the urgency of Nilam’s condition and the parents' relentless efforts, GH Foundation fully covered her surgery, medical tests, and medication. The procedure was successful, and Nilam recovered well, spending two days in the ICU before being transferred to a general ward and later discharged. Today, Nilam is healthy and thriving. Her parents express profound gratitude to GH Foundation for restoring their daughter's health and hope. This case highlights our commitment to saving lives and inspiring hope through action.