A total of at least 5,000 shunts are needed each year to fill the total need. A major problem in Russia today is that their technology has not yet produced a much-needed medical shunt of the quality and quantity needed at this time. This special device is used with infants and children who have a condition called hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can affect any age group. It is caused by a failure of the natural drainage system that regulates the amount of fluid around the brain.
Premature infants can be susceptible to it.
Meningitis may also cause it to develop. Otherwise its cause is unknown. The director of the Russian Polenov Neurosurgical Institute indicates that these shunts will save the life of the child, if they can have them on hand. Each one is sent to Russia as a special project of hope and an example of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ in reaching to these dear little ones. The following reports are from our OGT Director in St. Petersburg and The Ministry of Health of Russia.