Poverty and disease in D’kar: A teen’s story :: Mmegi Online

18-year-old Goreng Xhara lives in a yard with three poorly built mud houses and about 20 other family members. She is recovering from tuberculous meningitis and malnutrition. NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE was in D’kar and met her recently

Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM) is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, caused by the same bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The infection typically begins in the lungs and spreads to the brain, leading to symptoms like persistent headache, fever, and confusion that develop slowly over weeks.

Eighteen-year old Goreng Xhara is recovering from the illness as well as malnourishment. D’kar, a settlement in Gantsi District, has some of the country’s highest poverty rates highlighted by conditions such as malnourishment and leading to diseases such as TBM.

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