Rising Hope in the Midst of Despair: Tebogo's Journey Through the Cholera Outbreak

As a working mother, the cholera outbreak plunged Tebogo into a state of constant fear. The creche, once a trusted haven for her children, now seemed like a potential threat. With every passing day, her concern for their well-being intensified, making her question their safety while she was away at work. In her words, “it doesn’t sit well with me and if I could, I would like for my son to just stay at home”. Tebogo yearned for a sense of security, wishing she could keep her children at home, shielded from the looming danger.

Asked about how she manages water and sanitation issues around the home, to protect her family from cholera, Tebogo and her husband face the daunting and expensive task of purchasing clean water, an essential resource in the fight against the disease with the average price of water costing R30 for just 5 liters. Complicating matters further, the water tanks provided by the city authorities to alleviate the crisis, according Tebogo, arrive in Hammanskraal only on Fridays, coinciding with Tebogo's work schedule. The financial strain and logistical challenges added to her already heavy burden.

Amidst the chaos, Tebogo encountered a ray of hope—the Kanana Cholera Treatment Centre. This emergency facility, established by the National Department of Health with the support of WHO South Africa and other partners, became a beacon of assistance. Although Tebogo was initially unaware of its existence, the WHO South Africa team provided her with vital information about the cholera outbreak, its symptoms, and how to prevent and manage it. Even as a traditional healer, Tebogo found comfort in seeking medical assistance and speaking to the WHO South Africa workers, knowing that her problems would be addressed.

The WHO South Africa team's visit brought a sense of relief to Tebogo's life. Their willingness to listen and understand her experience provided a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil. Tebogo felt a renewed sense of optimism and knew that she was not alone in her fight against the cholera outbreak. The support and guidance she received gave her the strength to navigate through the challenging times and protect her family. Asked about what she would like to say about the cholera outbreak, Tebogo urged all mothers to, “be careful with your kids. I saw a child die and I thought my child would die. So you need to act quickly if your child presents with symptoms”

Tebogo's journey through the cholera outbreak in the Hammanskraal community is a testament to the resilience of a mother and the power of support. Despite living in fear and uncertainty, Tebogo found solace in the assistance provided by WHO South Africa. Through their guidance, she discovered valuable resources like the Kanana Cholera Treatment Centre, gaining the knowledge and tools needed to address the outbreak. Tebogo's story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of promptly seeking help, finding hope, and working together to overcome the adversities that life throws our way.

Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, WHO South Africa and its partners successfully combated the outbreak and paved the way for a healthier future, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action in safeguarding public health and building resilient communities.