A sick H'Mong ethnic man in Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province is in desperate need of financial help cover growing medical bills and the care of his four children.

Sung A Pua has chronic transverse myelitis and is now bed ridden. His children are occasionally fed by neighboring villagers, though sometimes they go without meals. The eldest is aged eight, the youngest is aged two.

"His situation is the most difficult in the area," said Ly Say Ro, head of Lim Mong Village. "His health has deteriorated for a long time and he can't work anymore. His wife left him."

Pua and his four children

Pua's concern is only for his children. "They are too small. I have been bed-bound for four months and can't help them at all."

Pua's four children

He took a turn for the worse on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, and a group of volunteers brought him to hospital, where his doctor, Nguyen Thi Van Anh, said, "He was in critical condition.

"He was exhausted and had high fever." Anh said. "This is a chronic disease so he will need long-term treatment before he can be ready for surgery."

Pua at hospital

A group of volunteers has been helping Pua, but his medical bills are substantial.

"Our help can't cover all the cost," said Phan Van Ky, head of the volunteer group.   

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