Every day, Yondela Kolweni faces a difficult and heart-wrenching battle. As a mother, she has to hold down her son, who screams and fights when it is time for his daily life-saving TB tablets. This is a painful reminder of her own battle with the world’s top infectious killer disease. At just 30 years old, Kolweni has already endured more than most people do in a lifetime.
Kolweni, a resident of Cape Town, South Africa, was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) two years ago. She was shocked and scared when she received the news. TB is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is the world’s top infectious killer, claiming over 1.5 million lives each year.
Kolweni’s diagnosis was a devastating blow, not only for her but also for her family. She had to leave her job as a domestic worker to focus on her treatment, which involved taking a combination of strong antibiotics for six months. The side effects of the medication were harsh, leaving her feeling weak and nauseous. But the worst part was yet to come.
After completing her treatment, Kolweni was relieved to hear that she was cured of TB. However, her joy was short-lived when her son, who was only five years old at the time, started showing symptoms of the disease. She immediately took him to the doctor, and her worst fears were confirmed – her son had contracted TB from her.
Kolweni’s son’s treatment was even more challenging than her own. As a child, he had to take a different combination of antibiotics, including a daily tablet that was bitter and difficult to swallow. He would often cry and refuse to take his medication, making it a daily struggle for Kolweni. She had to hold him down and force the tablet into his mouth, all while feeling guilty and heartbroken.
“It is a fight I win feeling awful about what I have to do,” says Kolweni. As a mother, she wants nothing more than to protect her child and make him feel better. But in this case, she has to be the one causing him pain. It is a situation that no parent should have to face.
Kolweni’s story is not unique. Many families in South Africa and other developing countries are affected by TB. The disease disproportionately affects those living in poverty, with weakened immune systems, and in overcrowded living conditions. These factors make it easier for the disease to spread and harder for people to access proper treatment.
But Kolweni is determined to fight for her son’s health and well-being. She knows that the daily struggle is worth it if it means saving her son’s life. She also wants to raise awareness about TB and the importance of early detection and treatment. She urges other parents to get their children tested if they show any symptoms of the disease, such as a persistent cough, fever, and weight loss.
Kolweni’s son is now on the road to recovery, thanks to his mother’s unwavering love and determination. He is slowly gaining weight and has more energy to play with his friends. Kolweni is grateful for the support she has received from her community and the healthcare workers who have been by her side throughout her journey.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Kolweni remains positive and hopeful for the future. She dreams of a world where TB is no longer the top infectious killer and where no parent has to hold down their child to give them life-saving medication. She hopes that her story will inspire others to never give up and to keep fighting for a better tomorrow.
In conclusion, Yondela Kolweni’s daily struggle with TB is a reminder of the harsh reality faced by many families around the world. But her determination and love for her son are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Let us all join hands and work towards a world where no one has to suffer from this deadly disease. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.
