Teen’s health improves after appeal spurs community support

A 15-year-old boy from Okatope village in the Ongwediva constituency, whose leg was nearly amputated due to a severe and prolonged infection, is now on the road to recovery after a public appeal sparked an outpouring of support.The teenage boy, who is hearing impaired, had battled a leg wound for over a year and six months, with swelling and infection so severe that doctors at Oshakati State Hospital reportedly considered amputation.However, his condition has since improved dramatically, and his grandmother, Maria Timotheus (66), says amputation might no longer be necessary.This turnaround comes after Namibian Sun published Timotheus’s plea for help last month. The story prompted Heart of God Ministries to step in and cover Sakaria’s medical expenses, enabling him to receive treatment at Ongwediva Medipark Private Hospital. A Windhoek resident, Phillipus Tobias, also contributed financially to assist with transport costs.Story transforms suffering When this reporter first visited, the boy was lying on a cloth and barely able to move. But this weekend, he was cheerful and out fishing near the homestead – a significant improvement.Timotheus expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who responded to their plight. “Thank you to Namibian Sun for telling our story and to the people who showed us love and support. May God bless their pockets,” she said. Timotheus had pleaded for help from Good Samaritans as she struggled to care for the orphaned teen. At the time, she would take him for wound dressings at the Ongwediva clinic, and she had to buy the materials from a pharmacy, as the clinic had no supplies. They made the trip three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. No identification documentsHer grandson also does not have national identification documents, making him ineligible for a disability grant. Currently, the boy receives medical care at Ongwediva Medipark, with his medical expenses fully covered. Past medical records show that Sakaria was admitted to Oshakati State Hospital for six months and has since been discharged.Questions have been sent to Oshakati State Hospital medical superintendent Dr Ruben Kanime for clarification on the child’s condition and the initial prognosis of amputation. Namibian Sun has requested that the hospital comment on the reported medical turnaround and the significant change in the boy’s status over recent weeks, but no response has been provided at the time of going to print. Home affairs ministry spokesperson Margaret Kalo told Namibian Sun that the ministry had reached out to Timotheus and obtained information suggesting that the child might have been born at Engela State Hospital, but there is no proof yet.Kalo said the ministry is working with Timotheus to trace his maternal grandmother, Selestina Shimhanda, who currently lives in Omongwa, Angola, to provide proof of his birthplace in Namibia. The gender ministry also reached out to Timotheus for counselling and psycho-social support. - tuyeimo@nmh-hub.com.na

Teen’s health improves after appeal spurs community support

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

Please login to leave a comment

Teen’s health improves after appeal spurs community support

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

Please login to leave a comment

Login