The Sunday Mail
Emmanuel Kafe
The GOVERNMENT is meeting all expenses amounting to US$44 700 for Leon Tadiwa Shumbairerwa, a five-year-old boy from Avondale suburb in Harare, who was diagnosed with established liver cirrhosis and will receive medical attention in India.
The money will cover medical bills as well as travel and accommodation expenses for Leon, his mother and cousin in India.
Yesterday, the trio departed for India and was seen-off at Robert Mugabe International Airport by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Kindness Paradza.
Speaking at the airport, Deputy Minister Paradza said:
“We want to thank President Mnangagwa who made it possible for the child to get help to fly to India today. In local currency the money is approximately $5 million, which is about US$44 000 that was given to Leon.
“This gesture shows the love and care of the Second Republic to help those in need. We want to thank the Ministries of Health and Child Care; Finance and Economic Development; as well as Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare who facilitated this.”
He said the donation was an act of benevolence by the Government, with no conditions attached.
Leon’s grandmother, Mrs Virginia Chinongwenya, said the support offered by the Government was a great relief for the family and they will be forever grateful to the President.
“The news came when we least expected it and it was a huge relief on the part of the family. Our gratitude and prayers go to the President and the Government for helping our little boy. Let it not be only us who benefit from this gesture, may it also be extended to everyone who is in need,” she said.
Leon’s mother, Ms Nyasha Mhandu Chinongwenya, said the boy will be in India for the next three months.
She said as a result of the ailment, the boy had been living off oxygen support, which was very expensive.
“Leon started having serious breathing problems and was wheezing. He had to be admitted in hospital before he was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. The doctors advised that the only solution was a liver transplant which costs $US36 000 and can only be done in India,” Ms Chinongwenya said.
She also thanked well-wishers who have been helping with financial assistance for oxygen tanks that Leon has been using for the past four months.
