At Grünau, a small, quiet settlement in southern Namibia, a desperate family faces a battle for the life of their little girl.
Catherine, just 18 months old, has a hydrocephalus condition, which is characterised by a buildup of fluid in the brain.
Little Catherine lives with her family, including her grandmother and unemployed mother, who occasionally earns N$80 by helping at a local shop.
Their resources are stretched thin as they strive to provide for Catherine’s medical care, but accessing healthcare services is an ongoing challenge in a small town like this.
Her grandmother, Theresia Matroos, relies on her pension funds to transport Catherine from Grünau to Windhoek when Keetmanshoop is unable to assist.
Every medical treatment trip to Windhoek presents a logistical and financial challenge.
The journey is possible only when her grandmother receives her monthly pension, a small but essential lifeline for the family.
Lack of funds delays Catherine’s treatment, increasing her risk.
Hydrocephalus places immense pressure on Catherine’s developing brain, threatening her health and future.
Her condition requires ongoing medical intervention, and one cannot even talk about surgery.
The family’s story highlights the stark realities faced by many in rural Namibia, where access to healthcare is often limited, and financial constraints make life-saving treatment a distant dream.