Two years ago, The Luke Commission met Nhlanhla at a mobile clinic in the deep south of Swaziland. He was sad and desperate.
“Some doctors want to amputate my leg. Can you help me, Doctor?” pleaded Nhlanhla, age 18. “My leg has been draining for 8 years.”
For 8 years Nhlanhla dealt with severe pain and this draining abscess.
TLC treated the painful, open abscesses for several months, and the possibility of amputation diminished. However, Dr. Harry told
Nhlanhla that he could not offer the best medical care without knowing his HIV status. The young man finally agreed to test and, as suspected, was HIV positive.
The Luke Commission made certain Nhlanhla started taking antiretroviral drugs immediately. His health improved, though initially he was secretive about taking his pills.
Then Nhlanhla became a full-time bus conductor. Now he uses his interaction with people at the bus rank (public transportation terminal) to tell them how to stay HIV negative or how to live with HIV. He openly takes his ARVs in front of drivers, conductors, and passengers, explaining that his life depends on remembering his medications morning and evening.
“If my leg had been amputated, I never would have earned my driver’s license. I would not have a job,” Nhlanhla said to the TLC staff. “I am preaching to everyone I meet at the bus rank.”
Echo and Nhlanhla are all smiles. Nhlanhla feels well again and thanks TLC.
When TLC helps just one person go from desperation to a fruitful life, that person becomes a piece of the puzzle, spreading his influence to many more life-changing puzzle segments.