Apel Pos, just 15 kilometres from Tsumkwe, is like any other village. However, the villagers are concerned about their neighbour, Fritz Nuxab (44) who suffers from a severe skin condition. 

Nuxab said he can’t recall exactly when the condition began. What he knows is that, around 2020, he took himself to the Tsumkwe State Hospital after noticing that scaly patches were developing all over his body: arms, elbows, knees and scalp, and cracking and bleeding.

The Tsumkwe State Clinic has been providing Nuxab with oral medication and ointment for his condition. Due to his limited understanding of English medical terms, he is not sure of the exact ailment he suffers from.

Asked why it took him so long to seek help, he was embarrassed and opted to cover himself, avoiding his neighbours.

However, he had no choice but to seek help eventually as the condition worsened to the point where the itching became unbearable, making it difficult for him to sleep. 

By September 2021, he was partially blind, as the itching somehow began to affect his eyes as well.

In addition to the skin issues, Nuxab developed a persistent ulcer on his lower lip, which hurts.

His situation is further complicated by personal hardships. 

“My wife also left. She said she went to visit her family, but she has been gone for a long time, and my children are grown and have left. There is no one to help me,” he said.

Walking with a wooden crutch, Nuxab in a faint voice said he was just waiting to die, further asking this publication to collect his medication from the clinic as his feet and joints hurt too much for him to search for transport.

Unfortunately, he last collected his medication in March because of limited transportation to the village. 

Pharmacist Erasmus Shipombo at the clinic explained that Nuxab is suffering from psoriasis, a chronic disease where the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. 

This results in patches of skin becoming scaly and inflamed, often on the scalp, elbows, or knees, though other parts of the body can be affected as well.

Shipombo said Nuxab’s condition was detected late. 

“He came when it was already worse. We sent him for a skin biopsy in Windhoek. He is suffering from a chronic skin disease. If it was detected early, it could have been treated,” he said. 

Additionally, Nuxab experienced a period of blindness due to cataracts, which were subsequently removed, allowing him to see again.

Despite receiving sole medical care, his condition and personal circumstances highlight the urgent need for ongoing support and better access to healthcare in Apel Pos and the farms around Tsumkwe.-lmupetami@nepc.com.na