By PASSY HAACHIZO –

One of the most powerful decisions one can make in life is to do something for someone who does not have the power or resources to return the favour.
One such person is Joshua Mulikelela who developed Epidermolysis-bullosa disease at birth.
Epidermolysis -bullosa is the loosening of the epidermis, with extensive blistering of the skin and mucous membranes.
The disease is potentially dangerous to children and occurs after injury or as a spontaneous condition.
Joshua met his fate at the time of his birth due to negligence in cutting of the umbilical cord by health personal causing the complication he is undergoing.

•JOSHUA Mulikelela

Born seven years ago, Joshua’s parents suffered stigma from their neighbours because of their son’s condition as his skin looked like a leopard skin.
The parents used to hide their son in-doors for two years for fear of stigma. They had to move to Kaunda Square stage two due to fear of stigma they experienced. But changing places did not solve the problem, and as such, Joshua’s parents continued to keep him in-doors causing his condition to deteriorate.
In November, 2010, Charity Chipeta intervened in Joshua’s case.
Ms Chipeta of Christian Family Care Centre (CFCC) assisted Joshua’s parents who, through Ms Chipeta’s organisation, went to ZNBC to have Joshua’s story told.
Indeed, Ms Chipeta made a bold decision to help Joshua and his parents who had no capacity to help themselves.
At the time, Joshua was in a bad state as he had soars all over his body. He could barely walk.
To this end, after the story was publicised on ZNBC, Ms Chipeta was approached by Dr Yasa from the University Teaching hospital (UTH) who, together with others medical practitioners, put Joshua on medication.
Ms Chipeta revealed that Dr Yasa treated Joshua for a while after which it was decided that the patient be taken to Victoria Hospital in Kalundu in 2013.
Joshua is currently making steady progress.
And according to Ms Chipeta, Joshua can now lift his right leg without difficulties. He could not do this before the doctors, intervention.
Ms Chipeta has since called on the corporate world to assist Joshua in meeting his needs to facilitate for his quick recovery.
Recently, Joshua also received a donation of K2,500 and food staffs from Bormmorshor Hindu organisation.
According to Ms Chipeta, the Christian Family Care Center believes that, “It is unwise for one who calls oneself a Christian not to be able to assist one’s brothers and sisters in need.”
Indeed, even the Bible in Matthew 20: 26-27 says, ‘Whosoever will be great among you, let him be a minister; and whosoever, will be chief among you, let him be your servant.’
She revealed that Joshua also has monthly checks up at Nkanza clinic to monitor his progress.
“So I call upon well-wishers to come and assist Joshua. Currently we take him for reviews twice a month and this requires funds,” Ms Chipeta said.
It was also revealed that Joshua, after the healing of the soars, would be required to be taken to the Italian hospital for assessment on whether he would be able to walk.
Due to the soars on his body, Joshua has not been able to walk since he was born.
“Joshua has over the years improved and his condition has attracted many other families that have similar complications to come to our organisation,” Ms Chipeta said.
Though Joshua lives with his parents, the Christian Family Care Center visits him at his home almost on a daily basis to monitor his progress.
Among organisations supporting Joshua is Tyre King, Mukatasha Enterprise, Aqua-Savanna, Friendly and Irish group, Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health.
Others are Hill Trees, Villa Elizabeth Feed, MKM holdings, Buseko and Soweto Marketing, Indians and Lebanon Communities as well as individual well-wishers.
To this end, a call can only be made to Christian Family Care Centre to continue with interventions aimed at assisting the under privileged in society.
The centre is currently looking after 92 children most of who are disabled.