Boy defies blood disease to score A

Seventeen-year-old Bachani Mohammed scored an A plain of 83 points despite suffering from a lifelong blood medical condition that subjects him to blood transfusion every three weeks.

He was diagnosed with Thallasamia Major — a condition where a patient produces an abnormal haemoglobin — at just six months. Doctors have to get rid of this blood from circulation every now and then.

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in large numbers of red blood cells being destroyed, which leads to anaemia.

MEDICATION

Mohammed has had to juggle studies and medication, he explained to the Nation at the Aga Khan Hospital in Mombasa where he was receiving a blood transfusion. His parents have to find two pints of blood for his transfusion and also pay Sh12,000 each time.

Doctors and other staff kept coming to the treatment room to congratulate Mohamed.

“I would carry books to read at the hospital every time I came, though my parents and the doctors were against it,” said Mohammed.

His elated mother Femina and father Ayub Bachani were overjoyed at the excellent performance of their son.

“The reason I want to pursue medicine is to help especially less fortunate who may be unable to afford high medical bills. I would charge reasonably when I am a doctor,” says Mohammed.