A young father in Lae is pleading with the public for help as a mysterious breathing sickness slowly takes away his ability to live a normal life.

Thirty-year-old Chris Ankik first struggled to breathe in late 2021. Four years later, his condition has become so severe that even walking a few metres leaves him gasping for air. Cold weather, smoke or stepping inside a poorly ventilated building can trigger attacks that feel like asthma, but no doctor has been able to explain what is happening.

Chris said the sickness has taken away his independence and left his wife to carry the full weight of providing for their family. “I depend on her for everything now,” he said.

He has visited clinics, health centres and hospitals, done X-rays, sputum tests and even tried TB treatment. All results were negative. Overcrowded emergency rooms meant he often left without answers. One health worker told him they did not know what else to do for him.

Chris now urgently needs a CT scan, lung function tests, an ultrasound and specialist checks. These tests are available in private clinics, but he has no money left.

He fears his condition will become life-threatening without help.