We’re All in the Same Boat When it Comes to Parenting

This month, it was my turn to be a concerned parent. My son, Adama, is only 3 years old. And at 10 p.m. one night, he started vomiting profusely. Then he had diarrhea. This went on and on until 5 a.m. Adama always insists on sleeping in my bed, so I cared for him as best I could during those frightening hours. My wife and I couldn’t bring him to the local health center immediately, because it isn’t open at night.

The next morning, I went to the village’s communal bank, as I knew I didn’t have enough savings to pay for his treatment. Every month, every head of a family has to put 20 cents per child into the kitty. When in need, a father can take money from the kitty, but he must return the amount he took within the month so that, in case of another emergency, another child can be treated.

And indeed, the treatment was costly – 15 dollars! Adama was tested for malaria and within ten minutes was diagnosed as having a chronic case. The doctor gave him antimalarial drugs, oral rehydration salts and zinc. But it was worth every penny – within 48 hours he was back on his feet, and my energetic, playful son is now completely back to normal.