With large hole in heart, N2.5m may save baby Hanifa’s life!

For two years old baby Hanifat Shittu, life could not be more frustrating than now as she currently battles with a congenital heart disease (Large Perimembranous V.S.D) which, if not urgently treated, may set her sun soon.

Her father, Mr Abdu Gafar Shittu told MY TAKE that she was diagnosed with the disease at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja since November 2011.  

He said baby Hanifat is presently at the last stage of medical treatment here in Nigeria and requires urgent medical intervention in Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital in Bangalore, India. According to him, the sum of N2.5million is needed for the surgery and other expenses.

Mr Abdu Gafar, who has been running from pillar to post seeking financial assistance for his baby, said doctors at LASUTH had told him to ‘move fast’ in order to save the life of Hanifat. But as minutes tick and days pass, the needed sum is yet to be realised even though, he said, he had almost sold all his property.

‘My baby’s condition is deteriorating every day and the doctors have told us that the surgery should not be delayed any further,’ he said.

The case of baby Hanifat is one that can draw tears from even a stone-hearted individual as her condition continue to deteriorate on a daily basis. All she requests from Nigerians is the life line of N2.5m for the surgery.

The frustration the family is battling with at the moment is the attitude of those who they believe can help. The father said all his effort to get the state government and some top government officials in service to assist the little baby has been futile as none is ready to offer any aid. For instance, the consultant paediatrics cardiologist in charge of Hanifat’s case, Dr B.A Animashaun had written a letter dated February 23, 2012 informing the state commissioner for health of her condition and the urgent need for her to undergo surgery. However, Mr Abdu Gafar lamented that nothing has been done by the ministry.

You may assist by dropping something for Hanifat’s survival at First Bank Plc. Account name: Fagbemi Shittu Hanifat Ademilola. Account: 3059194711. The father can be contacted on 07044465040.