With a baby on her back, Zawadi Maringa arrived quietly at the Utange field hospital in Mombasa, Kenya, in early November.
She had heard about a cleft lip and palate camp offering free surgeries by a Canadian medical team called Operation Rainbow Canada.
But the help she needed wasn’t for her child. This 35-year-old woman has lived her entire life with a distorted face.
“Since I was born, I have gone on another operational mission with my mother. But my mother ran away because she feared the general anesthesia. I came alone today. I am happy that you welcomed me,” Maringa explained.
Zawadi Maringa before surgery to repair her cleft lip.
Brian Geibelhaus
Dr. Kimit Rai, who launched Operation Rainbow Canada in 1998 and has helped thousands of children in developing countries around the world, decided he and his surgical team could help.
“Her deformity was very serious and significant, but we were able to restore her,” Rai said.
ORC’s 26-person medical team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, pharmacists, nurses and medical staff. They all dedicate their time and expertise to the mission. No one is paid and 100 percent of donations go to supporting children.
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Anastacia Lakato, head nurse at Utange Hospital, says Kenya’s health system does not provide any medical services to patients with cleft lips and palates. People born with this condition are often not accepted in society.
“It’s so difficult because of the stigma that most of them are hidden by their loved ones, because culturally it’s a casting call.” Lakato said.
During the 10-day mission, dozens of children and families came to the hospital hoping to get help.
Moureen Nyanganyi and her five-month-old son Victor were on the front line.
“I hope to see another face, apart from the cleft lip. That’s what I hope,” Nyanganyi said.
Four-year-old Leah has a cleft palate, which means she has a hole in her roof of the mouth. Foods and liquids put in his mouth may flow out through his nose.
Her mother, Sharon Karisa, is grateful that Canadian doctors came to help her.
“I appreciate them, because I know it was going to be hard for me, something like money I couldn’t afford, but now I’m happy,” Karisa said.
After helping more than 30 families and performing 19 complex surgeries, the Operation Rainbow Canada team made their final tour of the ward. Team members and families were full of smiles.
Pediatrician Dr Nazmudin Bhanji says, “It is very enriching. You look at all the kids we’ve worked with, the impact we’ve created, it’s fantastic.
His wife, pharmacist Shahenaz Bhanji, completed five missions.
“I just think we made a difference in their lives. They feel like someone in the world cares for them,” she said.
Zawadi Maringa after surgery to repair her cleft lip.
Brian Geibelhaus
As the babies snuggled on their backs, the parents shared their thanks.
Teresia Munene was happy with her four-year-old daughter Haddasah’s new smile.
“Keep doing this because you serve many of us. Thank you so much. We are very grateful.
Rai has helped over 5,000 children through his charity. He says it never gets old.
“The nice thing is they know someone did something good for their child.” They leave with happiness and good support, hoping that the child will have a better future. »
As for Maringa, she says: “I came in the hope of being cured and starting a new life with a new face.”
With the help of Operation Rainbow Canada, it is now done.
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