Okahandja mother details 10-year struggle caring for son with TB meningitis

Benovia Kock, an Okahandja mother, has spent the last decade caring for her son, Daniel Ndakolote, who developed tuberculosis meningitis as a baby. Daniel, now 10, was born healthy but fell ill at six months old with fever and breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which progressed to TB meningitis, leading to a nearly two-year hospital stay, including one year in intensive care. This period caused significant emotional and financial strain, and Kock lost her job as a domestic worker. Despite doctors' initial prognosis that Daniel might never speak, he now communicates in English and Afrikaans. However, he continues to face severe health challenges, particularly with eating, only tolerating soft porridge or softened cereal. This necessitates regular trips to Windhoek Central Hospital for speech therapy and assessments, with further checks planned to address persistent vomiting. Daniel relies on specialized milk, vitamins, juice, and nappies, the cost of which is overwhelming for Kock, especially when hospital supplies run out. Kock, who stays home full-time to provide constant supervision for Daniel, also cares for her brother who suffered a stroke last year. Although both Daniel and her brother receive social grants, Kock states the funds are insufficient to cover essential items like milk, nappies, and transport for hospital appointments. She emphasizes her primary need for help with milk and nappies for Daniel. Dr. Tuhafeni Nakale and general practitio