The joys of toddlerhood have eluded him. Sambou is only five years old but has already spent three years of his life battling for survival. His mother was busy with household chores when he reached over a bottle of caustic soda and drank from it.

He was rushed to the hospital and was admitted with severe burns in his throat and stomach.

“He is suffering from corrosive esophagitis due to caustic soda ingestion since July 2013,” said a family friend.

She added: “The caustic soda he drank belonged to her grandmother, who was involved in a soap making business.  Now, according to medical reports from EFSTH, his condition can only be treated overseas.”

Sambou, who is under constant care, is fed through a tube that is inserted in his stomach.

“The boy is getting weak every day. We are appealing to people to help us take him for immediately medical attention,” said the family friend.

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