Ten-year-old Anaba Abugre, a primary 5 pupil from Kpatia in the Upper East Region can now study effectively at school thanks to a Joy News report which got him help to correct a birth defect.

Joy News’ Upper East Regional Correspondent, Albert Sore first told the story of how Anaba’s bladder was exposed outside of his body, causing him to urinate spontaneously without the urge to do so.

Anaba, one of a triplet, suffered a congenital medical condition known as bladder exstrophy, which made him unable to pass urine on his own.

At age 9, Anaba still had to wear diapers everywhere he went because his urine always came out on its own without him having to urinate making him a laughing stock among his peers.

The situation made life unbearable for Anaba and his family because they are poor and could not afford the cost of his surgery.

Following the report, Edlorm Real Estate Developers in partnership with Joy FM on December 26, 2013, donated Gh¢5,000 for the surgery to correct little Anaba’s birth defect.  Some other persons who were touched by Anaba’s story also made donations towards the operation.

Raymond Ayine, the External Affairs Director of Afrikids Ghana, a child rights NGO who received all the donations and coordinated Anaba’s surgery said, they received a total of Gh¢8,000 in a cash donation.

It was used to cater for the cost of Anaba’s surgery, four preceding trips to and from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for check-up as well as upkeep for Anaba and his mother for four months after the surgery.

Part of the money was also used to get Anaba a mattress so he could sleep comfortably as she recovers upon his return from the hospital.

Anaba is now well and back in school.

Albert Sore, who visited Anaba at the Sakorit Primary School saw him busily writing his end of term exams. He later told Joy News that he now has a happier life after the surgery and was doing very well in school.

“I thank all those who helped me. May God bless you all”, he added.

Margaret Adongo, Headmistress of the Sakorit Primary School told Joy News, he was now regular and punctual at school. She said because of the surgery, Anaba reported to school five weeks late in the just-ended academic term but was able to catch up with his mates.

“He now plays with his friends. He runs around and he is happy”, Mrs. Adongo said.

Back home in the village of Kpatia in Talensi district, Anaba’s mother could not hide her joy. She told Joy News: “Now that my son has been treated, we are very happy. And there are no longer problems when he is going to school. I thank all of you for supporting us. May God bless you abundantly”.