Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
A 41-year-old man, Mr David Mandiwenga, who developed drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) after failing to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART), is appealing for assistance to buy a portable oxygen tank or solar system for his home to enable him to live a normal life.
The illness severely damaged his lungs, leaving him dependent on artificial oxygen to survive. For the past seven months, Mr Mandiwenga has been confined to a hospital bed because he cannot breathe without oxygen support.
His oxygen concentrator requires a reliable electricity supply or a fully functional solar power system, making it impossible for him to return home.
“It has now been seven months since I have been confined to a hospital bed. I cannot survive for even 10 minutes without oxygen,” he said.
“I cannot be discharged because if I go home, I will die. There is no reliable electricity to power the oxygen machine that keeps me alive.”
“I am appealing for a portable oxygen tank that I can use even when travelling, which is solar-powered since electricity can be a challenge.
“So far, my health has improved. I am religiously taking my anti-retroviral drug and TB medication, but the only dilemma is the oxygen to save my life.”
He said his situation has been exacerbated by the fact that he can not work and his wife also walked out on him.
“My wife simply walked away as she failed to cope with my condition. I have six children, and they have stopped attending school due to financial challenges,” he said.
“I used to work as a tailor, but right now there is nothing I can do as I’m trying to manage my health.
“Well-wishers can assist with the solar-powered kit such that I can constantly receive my oxygen.”
Those who wish to assist Mr David Mandiwenga can contact him on his Ecocash Number 0786272491
Mr Mandiwenga said he hopes his experience will encourage others living with HIV to remain on treatment consistently and seek medical assistance if they encounter challenges with their medication, warning that interrupting ART can have life-threatening consequences.
