TB can affect anyone,including children. Stay alert, be safe!
The Story of Baby Rubi Neema
It was shocking news to Rubi’s parents when they heard their baby was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), not pneumonia nor heart condition that she was initially hospitalized for at the facility.
TB Journey
It all started when Rubi was 5 months old, her father noticed something was strange with her health; Her breathing was laboured and at her age, she could neither stand nor sit by herself. When she was rushed to Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital, Rubi was admitted and treated for pneumonia and heart problems. A week later, a pediatric consultant came for review and upon reading Rubi’s chest x-ray results, the consultant easily detected that she was infected with TB.
One question that was running through Rubi’s mother’s mind when she found out about the diagnosis was ‘Where and how did my baby get TB? I thought TB only affects grown ups? Why were they treating my baby for pneumonia and cardiac problems?” Rubi’s mother asked. She began to cry and the stored tears continued to flow, and the sobs wracked her body, robbing her of the ability to speak. Fortunately, even without answers, her family and friends supported her. Rubi was started on TB Treatment 2 days later, after she was clinically stable and not depending on oxygen support system.
At the health centre, Rubi’s mother agreed to be part of Keheala - TB adherence programme that offers support and motivation to TB patients. When support sponsors from Keheala reached out to Rubi’s mother, at first she thought it was just sms reminders but Keheala team introduced her to the platform and told her they are here to support her during Rubi’s treatment journey. Rubi’s mother was ecstatic to know there are others concerned about her baby’s health and well-being.
Rubi’s mother kept sending requests and telling Keheala’s support sponsors what she was going through. The support sponsors from Keheala were there to guide, motivate and encourage Rubi’s mother throughout her baby’s treatment. The treatment reminders, disease information as well as motivational messages helped her to take good care of Rubi.
Rubi’s mother is happy with Keheala because Keheala was there for her during her baby’s treatment and when she needed support the most. Through support and information provided by Keheala, she has learned more about the disease.
Baby Rubi completed treatment a month ago and she’s currently undergoing occupational therapy for rickets. The support and disease information Rubi’s mother received from Keheala changed her perception about TB and how it is spread. “I now know TB can affect children and it is curable as long as patients adhere to their treatment. Thank you Keheala for being part of my baby’s healing process.” She said.
-Jacinta-