LOCATION: Otavi
VALUE: N/A
Mr. Ken Howes, trustee of OOCT, donated a wheelchair to young KodivaDausab who had contracted tuberculosis arthritis in his knee. Due to this infection Kodiva was unable to walk and could not attend school.
When Norma Gaoas, teacher at Kodiva’s school, realized that her pupil could not attend school due to his illness, she approached the OOCT for a wheelchair. The teacher was concerned that her student would have to permanently drop out of school due to his illness, thus forfeiting a bright future. The donation of the wheelchair enabled Kodiva to again attend school on a regular basis.
Tuberculosis arthritis is an infection of the joints by the tuberculosis bacteria. Although rarely fatal, if untreated this form of tuberculosis is highly destructive to affected joints and, by severely damaging the articular cartilage, usually leaves the tissue permanently damaged. Tuberculosis arthritis is treatable using the same medication as would be used treating ordinary pulmonary tuberculosis, but in order to limit the permanent damage to the infected joint as well as to prevent the spread of the bacteria to other joints, it is important that the disease is treated promptly. Orthopaedic devices such as wheelchairs help to put the affected joint at rest, which is essential in reducing the strain on the joint.
Partners:
Ken Howes
