The fulani child appears to have been trained to withstand and bear pains more than children of other tribes or ethnic groups. Their pain threshold stands at an amazingly high level. I managed a young 12 year old fulani boy whose father had brought him to the facility when the boy complained of abdominal pain and vomiting that fateful morning. Previously, he would have similar pains and still walk his father's herd for very long distances on several occasions. On this day however, he couldn't bear it any more and so he had to be taken to a peripheral clinic where he was given some meds after diagnosing "stomach worms". It didn't get better. Well, to show his discomfort, he couldn't walk upright any more. He was always bending, still trying to conceal the pains. When we finally examined him we realized he had a severe generalized abdominal pain that was more on the right lower side. That, with other parameters, gave us a conclusion of acute appendicitis with imminent rupture. Imminent rupture because all his vitals were still stable. I didn't need imaging before we rushed him to the theatre. Upon opening the abdomen, we found the appendix. It was inflamed and firm in consistency. If he had spent another few hours it would, no doubt, have ruptured. The young man is already playing around and missing his cows. The Rural Doctor Initiative and the Kateri Medical Services have done more than we can quantify in availing affordable standard basic health care to the rural populace. Without the KMS, there probably wouldn't have been the RDI.
We only hope that the sponsors of the KMS will continue to find the funds to sustain this noble cause. KMS will continue to bring health care to the people in the rural areas and resource poor settings without sentiments whatsoever. RDI… everyone deserves good health.
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