Efforts to save little Russell fruitful

THE initiative launched by Bulawayo24 and Makokoba Healthcare Initiative to raise funds for Russell Sumba - a 7-months baby that has spent half a year at Mpilo hospital due to Hydrocephalus is yielding fruitful results with charity organisations coming on board to mobilise funds for the ailing toddler.

The child's parents could not raise $500 required for surgical operation forcing the ailing child to remain under intensive care for 6 months.

Financial-crippled Mpilo Hospital, which is the second largest hospital in Matabeleland after the United Bulawayo Hospitals has also been struggling to purchase the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt required for the surgical operation.

However, early today Zimbabwe Development Forum - a charity grouping comprising entirely of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora confirmed that they had purchased the VP shunt required for the operation.

"Zimbabwe Development Forum has paid for the VP shunt required for Russell's surgical operation," said Mduduzi Dallas one of the organization's officials.

"This had to be procured from an external pharmacy as Mpilo hospital has none on stock. Additional costs are anticipated from the hospital." Efforts to contact Mpilo hospital clinical director Dr. Wedu Ndebele were fruitless.

Russell's mother who has been at the hospital for the past 6-months confirmed the development and said she was waiting to hear from hospital authorities when the surgical operation would be done.

"I received a phone call from the Zimbabwe Development Forum today saying they have purchased the device required for the operation of my child. I now await feedback from hospital. I hope it will be done soon," she said.