A Father’s Fight to Save His Son from Deadly Kala-azar

“I was very worried about the disease. It was my first time seeing and hearing about this type of disease,” Ali recalls.

Determined to find help, Ali carried his son from one clinic to another across the district. Despite his efforts, answers remained limited until doctors finally diagnosed the child with Kala-azar, a life-threatening disease caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted through sandfly bites. For Ali, the diagnosis brought both clarity and fear, as the local dispensary lacked the life-saving medication required for treatment.

Timely referral and dedicated treatment

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, health workers referred Ali and his son to Baidoa District Hospital, supported by SOS Children’s Villages.

Upon arrival, Abdirahman was immediately admitted, where a dedicated medical team began intensive care. Comprehensive tests confirmed the diagnosis of Kala-azar, and treatment was initiated without delay. Over the next 30 days, the young boy received daily doses of Sodium Stibogluconate injections alongside other supportive medications.

The days that followed were filled with cautious hope. Under close monitoring and compassionate care, Abdirahman’s condition gradually improved. His strength returned, the fever subsided, and the symptoms that once caused so much pain began to disappear.

“I was really happy with the assistance I received. The doctors and nurses were kind to us. After a long course of treatment, my son is now back to normal life,” Ali shares with a smile.

For Ali, a father of four children, three girls and one boy, this recovery is nothing short of a miracle. The experience has not only restored his son’s health but also renewed his faith in accessible, high-quality healthcare.

Filled with gratitude, he expresses heartfelt appreciation: “Because of the noble service provided to my child, I would like to thank SOS Children’s Villages and the donor for saving my child.”

Expanding access to critical treatment

Abdirahman’s journey is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of timely referrals, dedicated healthcare workers, and strong partnerships. For families in vulnerable communities, such support means more than treatment; it means hope, healing, and a future where children can grow up healthy and protected.

This life-saving care was made possible through the Caafimaad Plus Consortium, supported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). At a time when Somalia is grappling with a worsening humanitarian crisis, marked by recurrent drought, displacement, and limited access to essential services, this partnership is ensuring that vulnerable children like Abdirahman can receive specialized treatment close to home.