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One day in the Shaloom main center, I came across a girl sitting next to what looked like a little gray doll. When I got closer I realized the doll was a human baby. I asked the girl sitting next to the baby if it was her younger brother or sister. She said, “No, it’s my child.” At four months old, he looked like he hadn’t eaten since he was born; only skin and bones. He looked world-weary; for him life was too much of a fight already. With his shallow breathing and tiny little body, I was afraid he was going to pass away right there in my arms. His name is Adamu (Adam, in English).
Speaking with Lucia, his mother, I learned that she was 14 years old, a little girl herself. Both her parents had died, and she was HIV+ and had Tuberculosis. She had no interest in holding the baby as she was so sick herself. I ended up holding Adamu continuously for the next 5 hours, as I accompanied them to two different hospitals, trying to get treatment.
Finally, they were admitted to Bugando Hospital. Lucia was admitted to the ward for contagious diseases and Adamu had to stay in a crib in the Babies’ Ward. Adamu was started on a special formula for malnourishment.
Lucia’s Living Situation:
I asked Lucia about the father of the child, whom she stays with. She shared that he doesn’t care about her but she has no place else to go. Since her parents died, she was living with her uncle who also doesn’t want her. He wants her to return to her village. But if she did, she would not be able to get her medicine. She has just started taking Anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) and did not have the resources to travel back and forth. This latter option would not be good for her well- being and health.
The following day, I went on a home visit to where Lucia lives with the HBCV (Home-Based care volunteer) for her neighborhood from Shaloom. I wanted to speak with the family and hear their side of the story. When we walked into the house there were 8 little children sitting on the concrete floor, along with 4 or 5 teenagers, but no adults. Her uncle wasn’t there.
There was no furniture in the house—nothing but the floor. This was the environment that Lucia lived in. How did Adamu survive as long as he did? The HBCV said that a lot of the time, when a family finds out that someone is sick (HIV+) they no longer want them, out of their fear.
“Forever Angels” meets Adamu:
There is an organization in Mwanza called Forever Angels. They run a home for babies who are orphaned or whose parents’ cannot take care of them for some reason. I called Amy, the woman who runs the house, to tell her about Baby Adamu. She came with me to the hospital to visit Adamu and his mother. It was such a gift. She was familiar with situations like these. Seeing how malnourished Adamu was, she realized he needed hourly feedings and special care. Forever Angels could provide these. Amy took Adamu to the Baby Home where he could be nourished and gain strength, until the mother is better and they can be reunited. In addition to malnutrition, Adamu was anemic and only weighed 6 ½ lbs. at four months old.
When I explained to Lucia that at the Baby Home, they would feed Adamu good food, lots of it every hour, she said “When I leave here, can I go to live there?” This little girl needs food too. She’s never been to school, has no parents and no way to earn money— she needs someone to care for her too. It is heartbreaking!
Adamu and Lucia Updates:
Adamu is now living in a safe, loving environment. He is being fed every hour, and finishes it all. He gained ¼ lb. since he arrived at the Home. That’s a lot considering he only weighted 61/2 lbs. I held him and fed him, surrounded by the 20 other little happy children who live there. The staff told me that one of the boys arrived in February 2007 in the same state as Adamu. He was now big, tall and with a tummy. There is hope for Adamu, that he will be smiling and healthy someday.
In Good Hands:
Lucia has been treated and has recovered from her malaria and terrible cough. She was accepted to live at a home for children and moved in on Friday. It is an incredible place called Bethany. It is run by a Tanzanian husband and wife who care very much about all 120 children living with them. It is on a large plot of land beside Lake Victoria. The concrete buildings are clean and tidy with dorm rooms and bunk beds. The Director and his wife have a separate building but the door is always open and the children are welcome to come and go. You can tell how much the children love the Director because as he was giving us a tour, little ones would follow him around, holding his hand or sitting at his feet. What a great father figure for them!
There is a warm, family feeling among the children and staff. They are taught to take care of each other, like brothers and sisters. The older ones look after the younger ones. The children seem very happy and well cared for. Another incredible bonus is that Lucia will be able to see Adamu on a regular basis. Thanks be to God! |
