Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda – [email protected]
A Bulawayo family’s happiness is hanging by a thread following the news that their newborn triplets need urgent medication worth US$ 1 020 in order for them to survive.
The three boys, born prematurely at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) through a Caesarean section on Tuesday each need Survanta 25mg/ml, medication used to prevent and treat respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies.
The triplets are in the intensive care unit at UBH.
Their mother, Ms Ncominkosi Sibanda (20) said her babies were born at 27 weeks and need urgent medication to strengthen their lungs so that they can breathe on their own.
She said the babies each need Survanta 25mg/ml, medication used to prevent and treat respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies as it reduces the incidence of mortality due to this syndrome and air leak complications.
“My babies need urgent assistance so that the doctors can help save them. I was told about the medication yesterday and because I live with my mother, raising the money is very difficult. As it is, I’m unemployed and I’m not sure if their father is working because he left for South Africa in search of greener pastures and has not returned,” said Ms Sibanda.
The young mother said the triplets were born weighing 800g, 900g and 1 100g and are still very fragile.
Ms Sibanda said she did not have any complications during her pregnancy and knew that she was carrying three blessings.
She however said she did not understand how she gave birth prematurely as her pregnancy was progressing well.
“I’m pleading with anyone who might have any means of helping to come through and give us the medication or money because the doctors said the medication is needed as soon as possible in order for the babies to survive,” said Ms Sibanda.
The triplets’ grandmother, Mrs Mavis Sibanda said the past 48 hours have been the longest of her life as she has been running around trying to get money for the much needed medication.
She said she has not had the time to enjoy and celebrate the blessing that God gave her daughter because she has been stressing about the medication needed.
“I don’t ever want to see my grandchildren going through what l have seen. It’s heart-breaking seeing them tied to those tubes in order to survive.
“The doctor said anything can happen should they not get the medication which they need soon. Each hour that passes by with me knowing I haven’t managed to raise a single dollar makes me feel like I have failed my daughter and her babies,” said Mrs Sibanda.
“For each baby, the money needed is US$340 and so if you multiply it by three, you can see that it’s a lot of money which we don’t have. My hope is that help is found for all of them at once so that they get the medication,” said Mrs Sibanda.
The three boys add on to a one-year old sibling who is also a boy. Those willing to assist may contact the family on 0717 134 006 or 0772 682 306. — @flora_sibanda
Online Reporter