Africa's poverty and health

A three year old girl may die due to poverty, fear and ignorance. Four months ago, this girl presented with airway obstruction. A tumor, obstructing her breathing, was partially removed, allowing her to breath.  We have a part time pathologist and two months later her tumor was reported as a lymphoma, which can be cured ninety percent of the time with the proper chemotherapy. This week, the child, using a different name to avoid the previous hospital bill, presented to the hospital again with airway obstruction.  The lymphoma had increased in size and a tracheostomy was required to maintain her breathing. The girl needs to go to the larger city of Kumasi for chemotherapy. This rural family is afraid of a big city where their language will not be understood and they do not have money for food, x-rays or chemotherapy drugs. Our dept-ridden hospital does not have funds to donate and Ghana’s National Health Insurance does not pay for special x-rays and some chemotherapy drugs.  Several hospital staff are donating, but it is uncertain if the father can overcome his fear. He states: If God wishes her to die, she will die; if He wishes her to live, she will live. Money donated by a New Jersey parish was given to the family for expenses.