Nokuthula & Mickey's Success Story

Mickey and his mom Nokuthula

The smiles on the faces of Nokuthula and her son Mickey mask the enormous challenges they have faced over many years. In fact, they speak directly to The Witkoppen Clinic’s holistic approach to maternal and child health, and the extra distance their clinical team goes to help their patients and give them the gift of hope.

Nokuthula‘s story is riddled with loss. After walking out on the abusive husband she married at age 18, he disappeared with their two children, leaving her alone with a broken heart. She then had her identity stolen, losing access to many social services after the Department of Home Affairs blocked her identity documents.

But then Nokuthula was blessed with her third child, a son named Mickey. Together they began attending Witkoppen for her postnatal care and his childhood immunizations. But her joy was soon stolen from her once again. While receiving care, she learned that both she and her son had tested positive for HIV. The news left Nokuthula severely depressed and she struggled to care for Mickey, who in addition to HIV, was diagnosed with lymphoma. Dr. Holly France, the HIV pediatrician at Witkoppen, stepped in to offer clinical care and support. She and the clinical team provided counseling and education so Nokuthula could accept their diagnosis, and ensure treatment adherence. In the words of Nokuthula, “Dr Holly became my lifeline during this difficult time”.

In addition to Mickey’s health challenges, without an identity document he was unable to enroll in school. But Witkoppen’s social workers went the extra mile and after 13 years, the matter was successfully resolved. Thanks to Dr. Holly and Witkoppen’s interdisciplinary team, Nokuthula and Mickey are both thriving, and finally at the age of 13, Mickey is enrolled at school for the first time, and their futures are full of hope.