30 March 2012
Tobias battles multiple hurdles
Tobias came to us on 23 January 2012. His mother, a psychiatric patient, had no idea that her child was heading for death like her elder sibling who succumbed to death due to kwashiorkor.
At 14 months, Tobias weighed on 4.8 kg and his condition moved us to
tears. At first, we had admitted him on community support because there was no room but when he came for a review after two weeks, we had to admit him to avert untimely death.
Tobias’ father abandoned the family and left them to starvation. He is on the run but police is trying to trace his whereabouts.
Immediately after admission, Tobias was put on special diet and isolated for closer monitoring and attention. He however did not show progress as expected so we took him to see a paediatric doctor for further investigations. He was diagnosed with TB and he is on treatment.
In spite of the challenges, Tobias is determined to fight on for the dear life. He now smiles at people and has started showing signs of recovery. A few days ago, a relative who had directed the mother to PV came to visit and was moved into tears of joy when she saw a different Tobias.
On arrival at PV the relative asked, “Is the other child still alive?” She was pleased to know that not only is Tobias alive but on the way to thriving.
