“The doctors at the clinic did not say what was wrong with Yasinta as the malaria test was negative but they sent us home with malaria drugs called LA and some panadol.
“After taking the LA and panadol for some days Yasinta got worse, and my sister said we ought to take her to QECH as her eyes were rolling and she was not talking any more.
“We waited for public transport but in the end we got a lift with a lorry to hospital because we couldn’t wait for a long time with Yasinta’s condition getting worse.
“When we got to QECH Yasinta was quickly rushed into the emergency room because she was unconscious, she was put on a drip and was given an injection and then was later tested again for malaria.
“The result was negative but they decided to admit her to the ward and then the doctors decided to do a lumbar puncture and the results were that the she had meningitis. They immediately started giving her the treatment for meningitis and we have been at the hospital for a week now.
“She is getting better but I am worried about how well she will recover because I have not heard a word from Yasinta in a few days and I am not sure if she can walk because she is failing to stand and even to sit down at the moment.
“Yasinta becoming ill has had an impact on my family as I was planning to start my own business but the money I had been given to do this is helping me and my daughter whilst she in hospital. I am not sure what the future holds for Yasinta but I just put everything in God’s hands.
“When Yasinta gets out of hospital and we get back home I will tell my village about what to look for when someone is sick and that they have to seek medical attention very quickly. I didn’t know about meningitis before but would be able to spot meningitis now that my daughter has had it.
Written by: Chisomo Kanjuche
June 2014