An eight-year-old grade three student from the remote Shortland Islands in Western Province is urgently seeking overseas medical treatment following a referral from the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Herma Darren, from Aleang Village in the far western Shortland Islands, was born with an abnormal growth on his nose, located between his eyes.
Medical records identify the condition as a nasal dermoid cyst — a rare congenital growth that can increase in size over time and may pose serious health risks.
According to standard medical definitions, a nasal dermoid cyst is a benign mass formed from trapped skin tissue and may contain hair follicles and oil glands.
Specialists warn that in some cases, such growths can have connections to the skull or brain, requiring urgent and specialised surgical intervention.
Speaking to Solomon Star, Herma’s father, Mr Israel Timba, said the family first sought medical attention in 2017 when his son was three years old.
“We went to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and met a doctor. At that time, some documents were prepared to process medical surgery in Australia,” Mr Timba said.
However, he explained that the process was lengthy, and the family was later advised to seek further assessment at a private clinic.
After consulting a private doctor at Panatina, they were informed that NRH would ultimately decide where the surgery should be carried out.
Due to delays, financial challenges, and their remote location, the family returned to their home village in Shortlands.
Years later, Mr Timba said they visited Gizo Hospital, where Australian medical students and visiting doctors assessed his son’s condition.
“My son was the first patient they checked, and the doctors and specialists advised that surgery would be much safer if done overseas, particularly in Australia,” he said.
Medical specialists have since confirmed that surgery is the only definitive treatment for Herma’s condition and have stressed that early intervention is critical to prevent further complications.
Mr Timba said the condition has progressively worsened over the years, causing his son physical pain and emotional distress.
“In the mornings, he often experiences severe headaches, swelling around both eyes, and pain. Because of this, we sometimes do not allow him to go out and play,” he said.
He added that Herma has also experienced stigma in the community and is often shy to interact with other children.
One medical specialist explained that swelling in the area between the eyes and the bridge of the nose could be linked to serious conditions such as encephalocele, where brain tissue protrudes through an opening in the skull, or a nasal dermoid cyst with possible internal connections.
Doctors have emphasised that specialised imaging such as CT scans or MRI is required to determine the exact nature of the growth and to plan a safe surgical approach.
The family is now preparing to travel to Honiara for further consultation at NRH to confirm arrangements for overseas surgical treatment, either in Australia or India.
Meanwhile, they are urgently appealing for financial assistance to help cover travel costs, medical expenses, and other related costs.
The family is calling on the public, organisations, churches, and relevant authorities to assist in any way possible.
For support contact: 7329855 / 7978525
- Selen Wallet: 7801979
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo.
