Alicia and Nathan

27/11/2007

We buried Alicia, age 3, today.
She had had a fever for the preceeding four days. Became severe and accompanied by shivering (convulsions?) the night before. Died early this morning. Probably malaria of the brain.
Alicia's family had not sought medical attention. Like most who live in the hills behind Vatunau, they are several hours' walk from the closest clinic - us. Before Yudha set up shop here in 2006, it would have been another two hours' trek to Liquica Hospital. The family had climbed down to the village centre this morning in order to conduct the funeral.

And to bring me their three other sick children.
Two are alright, but 1-year-old Nathan (picture) worries me. He has also had a fever for a couple of days. Looks unwell, dehydrated, temperature 39, heart beating too fast. Likely malaria too.
S, missionary from a neighbouring town, drove over and we crashed through the rain to the spartan hospital, where Nathan has been admitted. If he doesn't pull through, he will be the fourth child to die in a family of twelve.

This is not unusual. East Timor's child death rate is the highest in Asia, and one of the highest in the world. There is no single proximate cause. Poor nutrition and lack of clean water contribute to frequent and severe childhood illnesses. As do illiteracy and ignorance. The interior is inaccessible, so many kids don't get vaccinated. Poverty and an underdeveloped government health system mean many who get sick don't get medical help.
The puzzle is formidable. I'm glad to be working on at least a few of its pieces.

Back in 2004, doctor Rhodes in Kenya had told me, "The death of a child is a terrible thing. You should never get used to it."
I haven't. It still hurts me.

- raj