SOCIAL media has been stirred by the emotional narrative of an 11-year-old boy from Mbala, compelled to mature abruptly as he shoulders the sole responsibility of caring for his critically ill father.
The young lad is shouldering the weight of responsibility for his 49-year-old father at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH), as reported by Zambia Daily Mail.
Reuben Musukuma, the father, faces a daunting health battle with a diagnosis of tuberculosis relapse and suspected lung cancer.
The young boy shared his journey in an interview at UTH, where he revealed to Daily Mail “My father has been unwell for the past six months, and I have been the only one by his side as my mother died when I was still a baby.”
The father, who raised him single-handedly, fell gravely ill last week, prompting a transfer to Lusaka for advanced treatment.
According to reports, Musukuma has been sick for over five years.
Despite reaching out to relatives suggested by his father, the boy encountered rejection and abandonment.
Brilliant Mukuma, acting public relations officer at UTH, emphasized the critical condition of Musukuma and highlighted the dire situation faced by the young boy as the only known relative.
Efforts have been made to involve social welfare in addressing this distressing predicament.
Well wishers have started visiting the boy among them Philanthropist Remmy Kangwa.
Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 5, 2024
Leave a Reply