Mussiela in Mozambique
Mussa and Ermelinda are parents of three children from Mussa’s previous marriage. The couple is a struggling lower-class family from Mozambique. After getting custody of Mussa’s three children and having to file for bankruptcy, the family thought they had reached rock bottom. As soon as the family thought their situation couldn’t get any worse, their daughter Mussiela was born with clubfoot.
Initially, they believed Mussiela’s condition might resolve on its own. However, they soon realized the severity of the situation. Struggling with unemployment and lack of funds to travel 62 miles to the Tete Provincial Hospital, where clinicians could treat the condition, they turned to their faith for strength.
Despite their financial situation, the family managed to seek treatment for Mussiela at one of Hope Walks’ partner clinics. The staff at the clinic assured them that the treatment would be free, which brought relief and hope for their daughter’s recovery. Currently, they rely on Mussiela’s maternal grandmother for assistance with food and transportation costs to the clinic, because the return trip home is covered by the program.
Before finding Hope Walks, Mussiela’s family faced discrimination from the community, claiming that their daughter was born with clubfoot due to her father’s recent divorce. This unjust judgment added to their existing financial challenges. Despite this, the family sought treatment for their daughter. Mussiela has finished treatment and has now been healed from clubfoot.
“I am overjoyed and deeply grateful to witness my daughter’s recovery. I never anticipated such a positive outcome. My heartfelt thanks to this hospital for treating everyone in need and providing the support that allowed us to complete our daughter’s treatment.”
By Abby Baileys, student intern
