8-Month-Old Beats Pediatric TB in Malawi District
Officials advise prompt diagnosis and specialized care for vulnerable pediatric patients.
KARONGA, Malawi - An 8-month-old boy has recovered after being diagnosed with pediatric tuberculosis in Malawi's Karonga district, writes Wezzie Mwangonde.
The child, identified only as Mavuto to protect his privacy, was born on September 1, 2022 in the village area of Village Headman Peter Mwangalaba.
He started visiting Karonga District Hospital on November 1, 2022 with signs of cough, difficulty breathing and fever, said hospital TB officer Samson Chitsulo.
After not recovering from weeks of symptoms, Mavuto was admitted for two weeks of oxygen therapy.
On March 25, 2023 he was diagnosed with TB through a stool test and started treatment the same day.
"Our target is to see all TB patients treated successfully and we are very excited a child diagnosed with TB through stool testing has recovered after oxygen therapy," Chitsulo said.
He urged parents to keep bringing children with symptoms to hospitals.
Mavuto's parents said hospital staff gave them hope despite discouragement from villagers to visit traditional healers instead.
"His father remained confident about the hospital," the mother said.
After successful TB treatment, Mavuto was discharged from a supplemental feeding program that had provided him with milk and nutrient powder for six months.
But community nutrition officer Stella Sikelo said the family now struggles to afford nutritious food with the father too sick to work.
"It is difficult for us to provide food for the whole household," Sikelo said, adding that officials plan to reassess discharged children's welfare.
In 2023, Karonga District Hospital registered 50 pediatric TB cases.
Mavuto finished treatment on October 9.
Malawi struggles with high TB prevalence, including among children.
Officials advise prompt diagnosis and specialized care for vulnerable pediatric patients.