Zambia: The Gender Office in North-Western Province has come forward to support a eighteen-year-old girl Faith Mwanza. Faith has been suffering from a severe and rare skin disease for almost eighteen years.
Principal Gender Officer Limpo Sishekanu says because of her condition the girl had stopped going to school. She was extremely bothered due to stigma and discrimination from fellow students and did not pursue education despite the free education policy.
The officials have shared that the skin disease has been affecting her general confidence and people skills. She has not been forming meaningful relationships due to her looks and the disease.
As such, the intervention from the authorities had been hailed by the girl and her family.
Principal Gender Officer Limpo Sishekanu Sishekanu said that they tried seeking the support of Solwezi General Hospital and Ndola Central Hospital. However, these hospitals were not able to help the girl.
After this the Gender office sought some assistance from the Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika.
Permanent Secretary for the gender division of the north western province sought out the University Teaching Hospital UTH to see if the girl could be evacuated. She was to be provided access to further treatment with the help of the organization. At this, the University Teaching Hospital responded in affirmative.
Principal Gender Officer Limpo Sishekanu said this in Solwezi today after visiting the girl who is kept by her 55-year-old aunt Ennefy Mwanza in Kawiku area of Solwezi.
Furthermore, Mwanza said she is happy with the gesture from the government through the Gender Division Office.
Faith is a double orphan and has been struggling with skin disease from the age of 10 months. The girl is still facing many setbacks to maintain her well-being.
Faith said that her situation is not friendly in the community and at school. Her issues with her isolator at school and community can have long term impact on her mental and social health
“I lack proper shelter, clothing, groceries among others” Faith appealed” she said.