Raifa I., 1

Raifa Islam, a 6-month-old premature baby girl, lives with her parents and elderly grandparents in a small tin-made house where her father’s income of only 7,000 BDT from farming on others’ land is barely enough for food and daily survival, making her eye treatment completely unaffordable. She is a calm and gentle baby whose small responses bring happiness and hope to her struggling family, who dream of seeing her grow up healthy and educated. After surviving premature birth and NICU care, doctors diagnosed her with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in both eyes, a serious condition that threatens her vision. Her parents and grandparents are devastated and desperately worried, as without urgent anti-VEGF treatment and follow-up care, Raifa may lose her eyesight permanently, affecting her entire future. The family sought help through counselor Nasima Akhter and Helpster volunteer Md. Al Amin, hoping to save their baby girl’s vision and life opportunities.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sheikh and Dr. Md Saiful Islam, Raifa urgently requires Avastin injections in both eyes.Doctors emphasize that timely treatment can stop the abnormal blood vessel growth and significantly increase the chances of preserving vision. With proper medical care and follow-up, Raifa may develop functional eyesight and lead a normal, independent life. However, if treatment is delayed or not provided, the condition may progress to irreversible blindness, permanently affecting her development and placing a heavy burden on her already struggling family. Immediate support is essential to ensure Raifa receives the life-changing treatment she needs.