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A Heartbeat Away: Little Hiba’s Struggle for Life and Plea for Help

Introduction

In the quiet neighborhood of Techiman Traa, a two-year-old girl named Hiba Duul Osman faces a silent, life-threatening battle with every breath she takes. While her smile has the power to light up a room, her heart, burdened by a congenital defect, is failing her. This is a story of a family’s harrowing journey through fear and uncertainty, clinging to hope against impossible odds. For her parents, Duul Osman Ali and Sa-aadatu Abubakar, the past two years have been a blur of hospital visits and the agonizing reality of watching their daughter struggle to survive.

This article details Hiba’s medical condition, the financial hurdles her family faces, and the critical race against time to secure her future. We will explore the medical realities of her diagnosis, the emotional toll on her parents, and the specific ways the community can intervene to save a life.

Key Points

Background

The Onset of Symptoms

For the first six months of her life, Hiba appeared to be a healthy infant. Her parents, Duul and Sa-aadatu, were reassured by a local hospital in Techiman that her tests were negative. However, as she began to grow, subtle but alarming signs emerged. The initial relief quickly turned to confusion and worry as they noticed her difficulty breathing and inability to feed properly.

A Devastating Revelation

Seeking further answers, the family visited the Holy Family Hospital in Techiman. It was here that the devastating truth was revealed. Medical professionals diagnosed Hiba with a “hole in her heart,” a condition that explained the distressing symptoms her mother, Sa-aadatu, had been witnessing daily. For her, the diagnosis put a name to the silent suffering she saw in her daughter’s eyes.

Analysis

Understanding the Medical Reality: Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Hiba was urgently referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the premier tertiary health facility in Ghana, where the diagnosis was confirmed as a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). This is a congenital heart defect characterized by one or more holes in the wall (septum) that separates the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles).

Dr. Jacqueline Agyapomaa Assibey, a Specialist Pediatrician at Holy Family Hospital, explains the physiological impact of this condition. “This abnormal opening forces the heart and lungs to work much harder,” she states. “Oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood mix, depriving the body of the oxygen it needs.” This inefficiency is why children like Hiba experience rapid breathing, fatigue, and struggle to feed and grow.

A Race Against Time

The prognosis for a child with an untreated VSD is dire. Without intervention, the heart is subjected to excessive strain, leading to enlargement and eventual heart failure. The mixing of blood also increases the risk of infections and respiratory diseases. However, Dr. Assibey emphasizes that there is a clear path to a cure. “With timely surgery, the defect can be closed. The heart can heal,” she explains. “This surgery isn’t just an option; for Hiba, it is a lifesaving necessity.” Without it, Hiba may never have the chance to run, play, or grow like a healthy child.

The Emotional Toll on the Family

While the medical facts are stark, the emotional reality for Hiba’s parents is even more crushing. Sa-aadatu describes the daily heartbreak of watching her daughter struggle. “It breaks me… seeing her struggle to eat, to sleep. She cannot play like other children,” she says, holding Hiba close. The fear of losing her daughter is a constant shadow over their lives. “Every day, I look at her and I am afraid,” she admits. For her father, Duul, the situation is a heavy burden. As a local teacher, his ability to provide for his family is limited, making the insurmountable cost of treatment a source of deep helplessness.

Practical Advice

If you or someone you know is facing a similar medical crisis, or if you wish to help Hiba specifically, here are the actionable steps and donation channels provided by the family.

How to Donate to Hiba’s Medical Fund

The family is appealing to the public for financial support to cover the GH₵120,000 surgery cost. Donations can be made via Mobile Money or Bank Transfer. When making a transfer, please use the reference “Hole in Heart” to ensure the funds are allocated correctly.

Mobile Money (Momo) Donation

• Account Name: Anass Sabit
• Account Number: 0240998889
• Reference: Hole in heart

Bank Transfer

• Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB)
• Account Name: Anass Sabit
• Account Number: 1551001003859
• Branch: Techiman
• Reference: Hole in Heart

Verification and Updates

To ensure transparency and verify the legitimacy of the appeal, donors are encouraged to contact the medical team overseeing Hiba’s care.

• Contact Point: Holy Family Hospital, Techiman
• Case Reference: Hiba Duul Osman Case

Raising Awareness

Not everyone can donate financially, but sharing Hiba’s story is a powerful way to help. Awareness is the first step toward healing. By sharing this story on social media and within community networks, you help expand the circle of hope and increase the chances of reaching the fundraising goal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The story of Hiba Duul Osman is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the power of community. She possesses the most vital element for survival—a fighting spirit and a family that refuses to give up. However, she is currently trapped by a medical and financial crisis that requires immediate intervention. The surgery she needs is not a luxury; it is a necessity that will determine whether she lives a full life or succumbs to a treatable condition. The path forward is clear: with GH₵120,000, the doctors at Korle-Bu can close the hole in her heart. The collective compassion of donors and the sharing of her story can provide the miracle this family desperately needs. By acting now, we can help turn Hiba’s struggle into a story of survival and hope.