Meningitis in your words

Bright 's story

  • Location: Malawi
  • Categories: Meningococcal
  • Age: Young child 3-5
  • Relationship: Parent
  • Outcome: Full recovery
Bright

Christina Thubula (25) from Ndirande Township in Blantyre, Malawi tells MRF about when her 5 year old son Bright became sick in May 2015. 

Bright had not been well and I had taken him to several private clinics where they told me that he had pneumonia but his condition was not really improving. I noticed that Bright had a high fever, stomach-ache and was breathing so fast and I didn’t know what was wrong with him so decided to take him to Ndirande health centre. At the clinic they thought it was malaria so they did a malaria test but the results were negative so they referred him to QECH because of the way he was breathing.

When we reached the hospital a nurse started helping Bright and he was put on oxygen in the emergency room, they took blood sample, and they thought he had pneumonia as well. Whilst in the emergency room Bright started convulsing so he was given an injection.

"I think I could now spot meningitis if another member of the family or village contracted it. I will tell the rest of the village what to look for if someone is sick and they need to get medical help quickly."

They then did a lumber puncture on Bright and took some blood cultures and they said he had meningitis. Whilst in the hospital he was also tested HIV positive and has been told to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) and I am so confused. I am hoping Bright will recover from the meningitis and the ART drugs will work. 

We have been in hospital for 5 days and my husband who is a driver is staying at home with the five other children to look after them. 

I think I could now spot meningitis if another member of the family or village contracted it. I will tell the rest of the village what to look for if someone is sick and they need to get medical help quickly.

Christina Thubula
October 2015

Detailed information about the after effects of meningitis

Vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions in history, saving billions of lives since the first vaccine was produced in 1798. So how exactly do they work?
Stories that inspire us to create a world free from the diseases.

Whether you are living with the after effects of the diseases or coping with the death of a loved one, we are here for you.

Provide a lifeline for those in need
Provide a lifeline for those in need
£6/€7.20/$8 pays for a 30 minute call from a trained support officer.

They listen to the issues faced by someone struggling with the impact of meningitis, and provide detailed information and support.
Membership and support

The MRF Membership and Support team are here for you for any questions you might have about meningitis and septicaemia and their effects on you, or your family and friends.

Tel: Helpline UK 080 8800 3344 Ireland 1800 41 33 44

Related stories

Explore stories of individuals who have overcome meningitis and share their inspiring journeys of recovery, resilience, and hope.
Hayley Tamaddon's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Hayley Tamaddon's story Actress, Hayley Tamaddon, famous for her roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, contracted mening...
Erin Lamond 's full story
  • UK
  • Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
Erin Lamond 's story My daughter contracted ecoli meningitis at 10 days old...
Simone Shoffman's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Toddler 1-3
Simone Shoffman's story Social media influencer Simone, also known Si Si, Shoffm...