Lerato Tladi, a mother from Masamane Village, is fighting for justice for her nine-year-old daughter (name withheld because of Children's Act). Tladi was allegedly injected with a used needle during an immunization process at Masamane Primary School in March 2020. The incident happened when Covid-19 started to hit South Africa, and there was lockdown at the time.
Despite the incident occurring over three years ago, the Tladi family claims that the promised assistance from the Department of Health has not been fulfilled. The child's hand swelled and became septic after receiving an immunization, causing distress. Tladi, who had informed Mo Media of her anguish during the consent process, believed her daughter was too young for the vaccination.
After returning from school, she complained of severe pain, claiming she had been injected with the same needle. Tladi contacted the class teacher for clarification on the immunization incident. The teacher claimed ignorance, but other learners reported hand pain. Tladi's daughter's condition worsened, requiring three unsuccessful surgeries. The wound became septic, swollen, and rotted, causing excruciating pain. Tladi's distress was exacerbated by the inability of the school principal and the Department of Health to provide financial aid for her daughter's medical needs, leaving her feeling helpless and distraught.
The North West Department of Health acknowledged and reported the incident through a Case Reporting Form for adverse events following immunization. They attributed the child's negative reaction to the scheduled immunization, stating they were not negligent. The Department of Health treated a child and facilitated her hospital referral using emergency transport.
They emphasized infection prevention and control protocols, requiring each client to inject with their needle, which should be discarded afterwards. The Department of Health explains that school health policy includes annual immunization schedules for students, and patients have the right to express concerns about the services provided by the department.
Despite explanations, Tladi demands accountability from the Department of Health and Education due to her daughter's ongoing suffering and deteriorating condition. The Tladi family is seeking justice and medical assistance for their child, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive response to such incidents.
The story highlights the importance of strict safety protocols during immunization and the authorities' responsibility to address parents' concerns promptly. The Tladi family hopes their pursuit of justice will bring relief and prevent future incidents.
