During our home visits to Sitsatsaweni on Monday, John met Khulile and her son Ndu. As you have read on our blogs, this is a family that we support with food and medical care. It was love at first sight, Ndu was mesmerized by John and his designer sunglasses, muscular build and smile. Ndu latched onto him and was not wanting to ever let go. The feeling was mutual, John was instantly taken by Ndu's smile, frail little physique and need for adequate medical care. On our visit we tested Ndu (he is 6 years old) for HIV and he tested positive. It was very traumatizing for all concerned, as this all too familiar scene played out and especially for John. You could see that the weight of the epidemic here in Africa fell hard and fast upon his shoulders with a crushing blow. Ndu had now tested positive, his father is long gone, his mother is on ARV's and two of his siblings have died already. It was a lot to take in on your first full day in Swaziland. After the initial shock we composed ourselves, counseled his mother and drew more blood for a CD4 count. Then we moved on to visit our other patients in the area.
By Wednesday the CD4 results were in and it became clear that Ndu needed to be admitted to the hospital for malnutrition and to assess if he was a good candidate for starting ARV therapy. We drove back out to Sitsatsaweni on Thursday, spoke with Ndu's mom and she allowed us to take him back to Good Shepherd Hospital to be admitted. Ndu was quite willing to go back with us, getting a ride in a car was something new for him and of course very fun for a six year old. John held him the whole way back and then became a constant companion at the pediatric ward. Unfortunately, John had to leave on Sunday to return home. It was really difficult for him to leave with Ndu still hospitalized and his ability to start ARV's unresolved.
Well we kept a close eye on Ndu and his care. After numerous trips to the pediatric ward, various doctors and the ARV clinic at the hospital we were able to have Ndu staged for his HIV/AIDS diagnosis. He received a World Health Organization staging criteria of Stage III. This made it possible for him to be eligible to start ARV's. Although nothing is that easy or cut and dry here. So Ndu returned to his homestead after 10 days in the hospital without starting his medications. The story is much too involved and painful to retell it any great detail at this time. In short, after many visits to the hospital and clinic by Ndu, his mother, David and I, and lots of pressure on our part Ndu was scheduled to start on his ARV's this past Tuesday. Unfortunately, we were out of town on Tuesday so we will not know for sure if it was successful until tomorrow. We are hoping for the best.
Here are some pictures taken during John's visit. I hope that you enjoy them. His visit was not all stress and heartache. There was a lot of joy had by many and it was very heartwarming to see John connect so intimately with our friends and lives here in Swaziland.
John with children from Sitsatsaweni primary school, before the madness began.
John started giving out pens to the children and a moment later there was nearly a stamped. The classroom doors of the school flew open and the children immediately followed. We barely got out alive.
John first meeting Ndu at his homestead.
Walking back to the Home Based Care truck from Ndu's homestead.
Up and over the hills we go. It is hard to believe that Ndu will be turning 7 very soon.
John quickly noticed that the most common advertisement here is for coffins.
Visiting the Mambane Care Point. David supplies the food for feeding the growing population of children at this care point. There are nearly 70 children on a daily basis now who attend.
Group shot of Thabiso and his cousins with David and John.
John and Thabiso delivering building supplies to Elsie and her daughter Siphesihle to help complete the home that Elsie is building single-handedly.
John, Elsie, myself and Bongani inside the home that Elsie is building. Elsie collected all the rocks and sticks to build her own home. John funded the rest of the project and it is nearing completion.
John pictured with Siphesihle and her cousin Bandy. We cover the cost of both of their school fees.
Elsie and the kids with her new roof now in place.
Myself and John, pictured on Mabuda Farm.
Visiting Ndu (in the background) and another patient at the pediatric ward. The child in the forefront is an orphan who was abandoned at the hospital, he is awaiting permanent placement.
Ndu, sporting his new clothes and battery operated car. We have seen Ndu many, many times since this photo and he still wears his new clothes every time he comes to the hospital.
Peace,
Scott
No comments:
Post a Comment