An American family stuck in Nairobi has appealed for Ksh25 million after tragedy struck them while they were vacationing in Kenya.
According to their GoFundMe page, the family is seeking the finances to aid in the treatment of their child, Zakariya Hassan, who is battling a severe case of Menengitis.
The family had flown from Minnesota in USA for a vacation across Africa over the 2021 summer period.
The tragedy began when Hassan's elder brother Mohamed and older sister Deeqa developed the illness. Mohammed, 16, died at the end of June from the illness.
The money is aimed at aiding Hassan, a fifth grade at Northrop Elementary in Minneapolis, access to better health care.
"Zakariya is currently fighting for his life at a hospital with the same grim prognosis as his older brother Mohamed. Zakariya is not getting proper medical treatment in Nairobi, Kenya.
"The most painful thing for any parent is to bury your own child. We would like to get urgent medical evacuation for Zakariya to come back to Minneapolis for him to receive proper medical treatment and increase his survival rate," read the statement in part.
The organisers of the fundraiser noted that it would cost the family Ksh25 million ($250,000) to fly Hassan back to Minneapolis to be admitted to a Children's hospital.
So far, the team has raised Ksh4.8 million ($48,455) from 761 participants.
According to Healthline, Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges which are the three membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord.
The disease is caused by viral and bacterial infections, cancer, chemical irritation, fungi as well as drug allergies and can be contagious.
The illness can be prevented through the administration of a vaccine as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle including getting adequate amounts of rest as well as avoiding contact with sick people.
Individuals are also advised to shun smoking.
