Hereafter Ghana turns social media into a lifeline for sick children

Umar Ahmed's Struggle for Health

Umar Ahmed, a three-year-old boy from Tishigu, was born healthy. Over time, his mother, Hansawu, noticed he was losing weight. She became increasingly worried as his condition worsened.

Despite many hospital visits and following medical advice, Umar did not gain weight. After two years of check-ups, his symptoms included a swollen stomach.

Doctors could not find the cause of his issues. They suggested trying traditional remedies, which only made things worse.

Eventually, specialists at Tamale Teaching Hospital diagnosed him with Hirschsprung disease. This rare disorder causes intestinal blockages and prevents normal bowel movements.

His treatment began with a colostomy surgery to create an opening in his abdomen.

Hansawu faced immense financial strain due to Umar’s treatment costs. Her small business collapsed under the burden of medical expenses.

Desperate to save her son, she sought help from family and friends. “I begged at the market square for money,” she recalled.

“I accepted whatever I could get.” For every bill, she returned to the streets for funds.

The financial pressure affected her marriage too. Umar’s father divorced her, calling her a “beggar.” Still, Hansawu remained hopeful for her son's future.

Umar needed another operation to reverse the colostomy. By then, Hansawu had exhausted all resources and support. “I gave up at one point because no help was coming,” she said.

In September 2023, Hereafter Ghana (MHP) learned about Umar’s situation and intervened. They raised over GH¢10,000 through local fundraising efforts for his surgery and care.

The successful surgery took place at Tamale Teaching Hospital under expert supervision.

“Their support saved my son,” Hansawu said tearfully. “Without them, everything would have been in vain.”

Today, Umar is healthy and thriving. He attends Islamic school and plays with friends—milestones once unimaginable due to his condition.

Hansawu is deeply grateful to Hereafter Ghana: “Without them, my son would still be suffering.”

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Nasara Mohammed's Battle

Two-year-old Nasara Mohammed from Dalogyili was born healthy but soon faced danger. Just three days after birth, he developed urethral agenesis—a rare condition without an opening for urine exit.

This life-threatening issue caused him constant pain and discomfort. His father rushed him back to the hospital when he couldn’t urinate.

Doctors inserted a temporary tube into Nasara’s abdomen as a short-term solution. Desperate for help, the family sold their belongings to cover hospital bills.

In June 2022, Hereafter Ghana (MHP) learned about Nasara’s plight and launched a fundraising campaign for treatment.

With donor support, they raised GH¢12,000 for surgeries and follow-up treatments. After creating a urinary passage during initial surgery, Nasara battled malaria and infections but eventually recovered well.

MHP covered all medical expenses throughout this challenging time. Today Nasara is healthy and active like other children his age.

“Nasara can play and laugh now,” his mother said gratefully. “We have no words to express our thanks.”

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Giovanni's Life-Saving Journey

In Kumasi's Ashanti Region, three-year-old Giovanni faced severe health issues from birth. He was diagnosed with ruptured skull arteries causing persistent bleeding from his scalp—an urgent crisis needing immediate surgery.

Giovanni’s mother applied methylated spirit on advice before discharge but it worsened his condition instead of healing it.

Alarmed by Giovanni's bleeding head after two weeks of treatment at home; Mary rushed him back to the hospital where he was admitted on oxygen.

Mary spent all her business capital on medical bills but refused to give up hope.

On April 13, 2022; Mary reached out to Hereafter Ghana (MHP) for assistance.

They launched a two-week fundraising campaign raising GH¢19,000 covering post-surgery needs including corrective surgery at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

MHP also provided GH¢2,000 in capital so Mary could revive her fish smoking business after its collapse.

“I use daily profits for basic needs,” Mary shared gratefully.

They also helped cover rent ensuring stability while Giovanni recovered.

Today Giovanni thrives in school playing with friends like any other child.

For Mary; MHP restored both hope and dignity during their darkest times.


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Hereafter Ghana's Impact

Over the past decade; Hereafter Ghana (MHP) has supported nearly 168 individuals nationwide using social media crowdfunding for urgent medical needs.

Led by Health Education Specialist Nuhu Halima Sadia; MHP operates across platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp rallying public support especially in rural areas lacking healthcare access.

Through small donations ranging from 10-50 cedis; MHP has raised over 600k cedis funding surgeries medications & hospital bills swiftly earning praise online.

“Our mission promotes equitable healthcare access,” Halima emphasized noting that health is crucial for development.

MHP focuses on dire cases involving children often referred by health professionals or friends recognizing their commitment to saving lives.


Halima prioritizes vulnerable groups like children & mothers whose needs are most urgent stating timely intervention can mean life or death.


Beyond direct aid; MHP aims long-term solutions enrolling beneficiaries under national health insurance schemes ensuring continued access.


So far over 6k people including women & children have been enrolled aiming coverage expansion toward one million people despite recent government changes delaying progress.


Looking ahead; MHP plans establishing facilities offering essential healthcare services free of charge aligning with national health goals.


“Our goal is preventing child deaths due to poverty,” Halima stated emphasizing investing in community health ensures brighter futures.


However rising costs force MHP limits support per patient capped at 100k cedis making tough decisions necessary amidst increasing demand.


Founder Halima reflects on how their journey began collecting leftover supplies during high school leading them towards helping those in need today supporting various vulnerable communities across Ghana.