Hope has returned for Jenipha Lazaro, 28, a physically disabled mother in Mwanyanje Street, Igawilo Ward, after Uyole Constituency MP, Dr. Tulia Acksoni, pledged to cover medical treatment for her child suffering from a brain inflammation condition.
For more than six years, Jenipha has been carrying her sick child on her back due to the severity of the illness.
Jenipha said she gave birth six years ago at Makandana-Tukuyu Hospital, but soon after returning home, she noticed worrying symptoms in her child.
She took the child to local dispensaries and was eventually referred to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital for specialized care.
“Unfortunately, I could not afford the 20,000 shillings needed to see a specialist. I had no choice but to return home,” she explained.
“I sell soap for a weekly profit of about 5,000 shillings, barely enough for food. My husband works as a security guard, and his income is not enough to cover our family needs, especially with a disabled child and a younger one.”she added
Recognizing the family’s struggles, Dr. Tulia pledged to pay for all the child’s medical expenses after the holiday season. She also gave Jenipha 200,000 shillings to expand her soap business.
Dr. Tulia said the support is part of her ongoing initiative to assist vulnerable households during Christmas and New Year, which has also included providing essential items such as rice and cash to citizens in need.
“This is about giving hope and relief to families who are struggling,” she said.