4-year-old child Junior Nyakudya who was born without a penis, he urinates through the anus

*Dear Zimbabwe: Please help 4-year-old child Junior Nyakudya who was born without a penis, he urinates through the anus*
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BINDURA – Four years after his plight was first brought to the nation’s attention, Junior Nyakudya, a four-year-old boy from Nyakudya Village in Bindura, is once again appealing to the generosity of Zimbabweans. Born with a rare congenital condition that left him without a penis, Junior now requires US$10,000 for life-changing reconstructive surgery in India.

Junior’s story is one that tugs at the heartstrings. From the moment he was born prematurely, his parents, Ms Lydia Makisi (41) and Mr Remigio Nyakudya (49), the village head, knew something was different. Instead of the normal functions, Junior was forced to use his anus for both urination and defecation.

Now, four years on, Junior’s situation has sadly deteriorated. He is now suffering from abdominal swelling due to severe internal complications, making the already challenging situation even more dire.

Ms Makisi expressed the family’s anguish as they continue to watch Junior’s declining health. “Junior’s tummy is now constantly swollen, and he is in severe pain. He cannot pass waste properly anymore,” she said, her voice filled with worry. “Sometimes he goes for days without relief, and we have to rush him to the clinic.”

Early gender tests confirmed that Junior is indeed a boy, but his condition, a rare type of cloacal malformation, means that his rectum, urinary tract, and reproductive organs failed to develop separately. This complex case requires advanced surgical reconstruction, which is only available outside Zimbabwe.

Local doctors have assisted the family to identify specialised reconstructive surgeons in India, who have quoted US$10,000 for the procedure. It is a sum that is far beyond the reach of the family, who are now appealing to the nation for assistance.

“The doctors referred us to a hospital in India that can perform the surgery, but we need US$10,000,” said Mr Nyakudya, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and desperation. “We are appealing to the nation, well-wishers, churches, and the business community to help us give our son a chance at life.”

The family remembers the overwhelming support they received when Junior was born, and they are hoping that the same spirit of generosity will prevail once again.

The initial discovery of Junior’s condition was a shock. Ms Makisi, then 37, noticed the anomaly while changing his nappy a day after giving birth prematurely at seven months, en route to Manhenga Clinic. “I noticed the anomaly the following day and I was transferred to Bindura Hospital where doctors were baffled,” she recalled. Further referral to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare revealed the unique and rare nature of the condition, requiring tests and X-rays to determine if it could be corrected. However, the family struggled to raise the US$130 required for these initial tests.

Despite the challenges, Junior is described as a cheerful and intelligent boy who dreams of going to school. However, his worsening health has kept him confined at home, unable to experience the simple joys of childhood.

“We want him to live a normal life, play with other children, and have dignity. But each day that passes without surgery puts his life at greater risk,” Ms Makisi said, her eyes filled with tears.

Adding to the complexity, Ms Makisi said that doctors have indicated that the construction of the reproductive organs will only be done when he is 17 or 18 years old, making the current surgery even more critical to ensure his well-being until then.

In the face of this medical mystery, Chief Masembura revealed that they were consulting spirit mediums to find the cause of the anomaly, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural beliefs of the community. “In our tradition, this is a mystery,” he said. “Spirit mediums can tell us what went wrong and what need to be done so that when they go to the hospital doctors can help the baby.”

The Nyakudya family’s plea is a call to the conscience of Zimbabwe. They are not asking for a miracle, but for a chance – a chance for Junior to live a normal life, free from pain and with the dignity he deserves.

Well-wishers who are able to assist can contact the Nyakudya family directly on 0789 414 066. Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring Junior one step closer to the life-changing surgery he so desperately needs. The nation’s generosity can help rewrite Junior’s story, transforming it from one of hardship and suffering to one of hope and healing.

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