By Emma Kakololo
WINDHOEK
The mother of Feliciana Nauwake who was diagnosed with noma three years ago has taken to the streets begging for money to pay for her child’s operation.
Penehafo Nafuka and the five-year-old Nauwake were on Monday seen ambling down Independence Avenue with a donation list to raise funds.
In March this year, the little girl underwent her second step in the process of having her face rebuilt in Pretoria, South Africa. Two more operations are inevitable.
The last two operations, which are said to will ‘beautify’ her, will be carried out at a later stage – when she turns twelve.
However, Feliciana’s operation costs have increased rapidly, while her family is still paying bills for the first operation that took place last year.
“We have opened a trust fund, but the money pledged is not enough to cover the operation costs,” said Nafuka yesterday.
“I am looking for a helper and a contribution of a little amount of money.”
The shy woman also said she finds it difficult to approach people and hopes that if they see Nauwake, they would understand that she needs help urgently. The Feliciana Nauwake Trust Fund is being spearheaded by NamWater.
For the initial operation, the company estimated an amount of N$120 000 excluding transport and accommodation. The total costs have now reached about N$300 000.
Feliciana also receives about N$420 per month from NamWater for her basic needs.
Last year, the Welwitschia Travel Agency assisted with all guidance travel and accommodation costs while the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) pledged N$10 000 towards the trust in June this year.
Noma is a gangrenous disease leading to tissue destruction of the face, especially the mouth and cheek.
The disease is caused by malnutrition and a weak immune system, and many children who develop the disease have had another illness like measles or tuberculosis shortly prior to its onset.
Although the exact cause is not known, poor sanitation is a risk factor for the disease, and its cause may be bacteria. It is however not communicable.
The family lives in the informal settlement of Okuryangava, near Windhoek.