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News24
16 hours ago
- Health
- News24
Born with a hole in her heart, Baby Kendreya thrives thanks to heroes and angels
Baby Kendreya's life was saved through a complex heart surgery after her parents, Kevin and Paroosha, faced delays and sought help. Compassionate doctors and other NGOs stepped in, ensuring urgent care and transportation before the risks increased at nine months. Now healthy and thriving, her grateful parents celebrate her second chance at life. Two Durban parents, Paroosha Naidoo and Kevin Pillay, are grateful to the guardian angels who helped their baby Kendreya undergo the heart surgery that saved her life. Kendreya was born in October last year to the happy parents from Chatsworth, but their joy was replaced with anxiety in those first few weeks as they watched her struggling to breathe. 'Her stomach would sink with every breath, like her little body was working overtime just to breathe,' Kevin said. Kevin would drive Paroosha and Kendreya between hospital appointments and tests, sleep in the car while mother and baby waited to see doctors and juggle his night shifts. Baby Kendreya was then diagnosed with atrioventricular septal defect, or AVSD - a congenital heart defect. She had a large hole in the heart, which affected her blood flow. 'Her heart couldn't pump properly, causing fluid to build up in her lungs. That's why her tummy caved in when she tried to breathe,' said Kevin. READ | Shumi the pangolin's incredible journey from poaching victim to wildlife freedom In a race against time, surgery needed to happen before nine months, otherwise the risks would increase. An appointment scheduled for March this year fell through due to resource constraints at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, and it was unclear when another surgery could be scheduled. The two parents prayed for a miracle. In stepped a team of guardian angel doctors who are prepared for such scenarios. 'A light in a dark time' The parents searched for help and found Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg and the Young Hearts Africa Foundation. Since its inception in 2023, the foundation has helped 30 children with the same symptoms that Kendraya was experiencing. 'At first, it felt too good to be true, and we were almost worried it might be a scam. But Dr Lichtenberg responded, asking only for medical records, never money. It was a light in a dark time,' said Paroosha. As they consulted the foundation, Kendreya's condition worsened. She was fatigued, lost her appetite, and started passing blood. 'Babies with AVSD often experience rapid breathing, difficulty feeding, excessive sweating, and poor weight gain,' said Lichtenberg. 'If left untreated, the extra blood flow can damage the lungs, leading to heart failure. The timing of surgery is critical. The risks increase after six months because the lungs can suffer irreversible damage from the extra blood flow. Early repair gives babies the best chance to grow and thrive. Unable to access private healthcare, Lichtenberg ensured that Kendreya would get the surgery she needed in Cape Town. 'When the Young Hearts Africa Foundation reached out about Baby Kendreya's urgent case, the Netcare Foundation and Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital immediately prioritised her AVSD repair,' said Mande Toubkin, Netcare's general manager of trauma, transplant, and corporate social investment. 'There's a huge need for specialised paediatric heart surgeries - they are complex, resource-heavy, and absolutely essential for giving these children a fighting chance.' Images suppled by MNA on behalf of Netcare. 'Holding her for the first time after surgery' Young Hearts Africa reached out to Wings and Wishes. They help remove transport barriers for disadvantaged children to get medical treatment and joined the effort by providing the necessary airline flights for Baby Kendreya and her parents. And so, Baby Kendreya received life-changing help in the nick of time during a surgery in Cape Town thanks to the help of guardian angel doctors and NGOs - an emotional journey for the grateful parents. 'Dr Lichtenberg and Dr Vosloo are our heroes, our angels - our only option, and we can't express our appreciation to the Netcare Foundation, the Young Hearts Africa Foundation, and everyone involved,' the grateful parents said. 'She has healed so quickly and been so active since the operation. Kendreya is fascinated by the world around her,' Paroosha added. Now back home in Durban, Kendreya's family is filled with gratitude for the care and support that saved their daughter's life. 'As parents, you experience every emotion imaginable, but holding her for the first time after surgery, feeding her, and seeing her fight back made it all worthwhile,' said mom Paroosha.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Struggling as a caregiver? Here's how you can navigate care work in Malaysia with subsidies, support and respite services
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Care work is not something new in Malaysia especially when the country is on track to becoming an aged nation by 2030. Often referred to as a 'labour of love', although it is mostly hard work – care work duties often encompasses tasks such as cleaning the house, preparing children for school, cooking for the family or caring for an elderly parent. Not forgetting those with spouses or children or parents with chronic illnesses and disabilities – which usually means extra care work to cater to their specific needs. In Malaysia, most caregivers are informal or family members. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) Labour Force Survey in February 2024, there are 7.23 million people recorded as being outside the labour force, with the main reason being housework or family responsibilities. Do keep in mind that there are also working individuals who take on a 'second shift' as caregivers after their regular working hours – a responsibility that more often than not falls onto the women of the family, with some of the reasoning behind this being 'historical and cultural norms'. Since care work can often be taxing on a person, not just mentally and physically but also financially, here's a list of available subsidies for chronic illnesses, mental health support, and respite care programmes that could ease the burden on informal caregivers. This list includes programmes offered by local NGOs, hospitals and care service providers, with most requiring background checks and eligibility approval. Subsidised medical programmes Subsidised medical programmes could help unload some of the financial burden held by informal caregivers. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) has been around since 1966 and they are the first non-profit organisation in Malaysia to provide education, care and support services for people affected by cancer and the general public. NCSM offers an array of cancer and health screening services at a subsidised price which includes breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and normal medical screenings as well as x-ray services. They also have their own Nuclear Medicine Centre that provides immediate and affordable imaging scan facilities which includes bone scan, renal DTPA function study, renal DMSA scan, Meckel's diverticulum scan, and thyroid scan. Aside from that, NCSM also offers accommodation support including a transit home and transportation for the less fortunate who are receiving cancer treatment at either Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Tunku Azizah Hospital, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, or National Cancer Institute. Please visit for more information. Beacon Hospital Local cancer specialist hospital, Beacon Hospital, in Petaling Jaya, also has a slew of welfare funds under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. For breast cancer patients, they are offering two types of welfare funds or subsidised medical treatment programmes with the first one being their Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Welfare Fund where patients would only need to pay around 10 per cent of the charges. Chemotherapy could cost up to RM6,000 per cycle and patients would normally require around four to eight cycles of treatment. They also have the Targeted Therapy (HER2+) Welfare Fund for Breast Cancer where eligible patients are only required to pay RM2,500 per cycle for Trastuzumab treatment, which could initially cost up to approximately RM10,000 per cycle. There is also a programme for colorectal cancer chemotherapy where patients would need to pay around RM1,150 which is just 20 per cent of the initial cost. Beacon Hospital also offers radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatment starting as low as RM1,000 under their Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery Welfare Fund. For more information, click here. IHH Healthcare Malaysia IHH Healthcare Malaysia launched their Life Renewed programme back in 2012 as part of their CSR initiative where they are providing free treatment for less fortunate patients across Malaysia. According to the official IHH Healthcare Malaysia website, the Life Renewed programme is available at all IHH Healthcare Malaysia hospitals, including Gleneagles, Pantai, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Timberland Medical Centre. At the moment, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur under the Life Renewed programme, is currently accepting applicants for those needing financial assistance for paediatric congenital heart surgeries. Find more information on how to apply here. Diabetes Malaysia Diabetes Malaysia (DM), formerly known as Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia, is an NGO that organises activities to raise awareness of diabetes and its complications, and to promote and improve diabetes care. Although they are known for spearheading regional conferences and educational programmes related to diabetes, DM also offers a range of subsidised diabetes-related products, such as glucose meters, insulin pens, footwear, glucose strips, and more, available to its members. DM membership is open to all for a yearly membership fee of RM10. Membership form and the subsidised product list are available here. National Kidney Foundation The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) offers a range of quality and comprehensive kidney care and support services for individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. Their services include subsidised haemodialysis services, peritoneal dialysis training and support services, kidney dialysis and transplant financial assistance as well as patient support programmes and education on chronic kidney disease. NKF also has centres all around Malaysia that adhere to standards set by the Ministry of Health with some of their centres having achieved full accreditation by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health. For more information on their welfare and subsidised programmes, please visit this link. Mental health support Life Line Association Malaysia also provides face to face counselling apart from their helpline. — Picture by Arif Zikri Providing care sometimes can take a toll on your mental health – if you're lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, here's a list of carelines offering over-the-phone mental health support and counselling: Befrienders KL offers 24-hour emotional support in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese and Tamil. Reach out to their helpline at 03-76272929. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours can be found here. Talian Kasih is a nationwide 24-hour careline established by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. Reach out to their toll-free hotline at 15999 or contact them via WhatsApp at 019-2615999, which is also available 24 hours a day. The Malaysian Mental Health Association also provides psychological therapy and support services via their helpline at 03-27806803. Their helpline is available on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, except for public holidays. Sneham Malaysia, an NGO formed in 2018, also offers a toll-free helpline at 1800-22-5757, which operates daily from 4pm to 8pm. Their counselling support is primarily in Tamil, but Bahasa Malaysia and English are also available. Life Line Association Malaysia offers counselling and support services via their new helpline at 15995 and their counselling is available in Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia and English. The helpline is available from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 1.30am. Respite care services Sometimes, it is good for family caregivers to take some time off from caregiving duties to prevent burnout, and respite care is one of the best options that can provide temporary relief for primary caregivers. Sometimes, it is good for family caregivers to take some time off from caring duties to prevent any burnouts and respite care is one of the best options that can provide temporary relief for primary caregivers. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri From in-house services to day-care centres and even companions for medical appointments, here's a list of available respite care services that might be worth checking out: Teman Malaysia Teman Malaysia offers both long- and short-term care services, which include companionship and caregiving services for the elderly, pregnant women, mothers with young children, and people with disabilities. Their short-term services also include providing companions for health appointments and dialysis treatment, charged at RM35 per hour. They also provide companions for leisure activities, priced at RM70 for two hours. Teman Malaysia also provides free consultations for those interested. Find more information on their packages here. Homage Operating in Singapore and Malaysia, Homage works with care recipients with a range of mobility and medical conditions, including chronic and terminal illnesses such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson's, and cancer. Their respite care services include assisting with daily living activities, medication reminders, physical exercises, nursing care, as well as night care. Homage's hourly charge for their Daily Living Care package with certified caregivers is RM30 per hour, while it is RM35 per hour for their nursing care by licensed nurses. Visit this link for more. My Aged Care My Aged Care's main focus is senior citizens, and they have several facilities located in Petaling Jaya, including nursing homes and a physiotherapy centre. They also have a wide range of services, including rehabilitation, palliative care, physiotherapy, and ambulance services. Their Daycare package covers 12-hour care, with prices starting at RM10 per hour (before 7pm), and RM15 per hour (after 7pm). The Daycare package includes four meals a day, as well as stimulating activities and beds for recipients' nap times. Find more information here.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Putrajaya residents step up fight against dengue
'Gotong-royong' participants including residents, business owners, students and NGOs helping to pick up rubbish in the Precinct 9 commercial area. A MEGA gotong-royong was organised by Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) to combat the dengue scourge and foster stronger community spirit at a commercial area in the administrative capital. PPj president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud said the event in Precinct 9 focused on cleanliness, particularly at food premises. 'This included providing direct guidance to premises owners about hygiene practices in food preparation and the handling of raw ingredients,' he said. Fadlun (third from left) says it is important to maintain Putrajaya's clean and well-kept image. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star Another areas of focus was drainage, which Fadlun said must be continuously monitored, along with efforts to prevent the presence of rats in commercial areas. 'The drainage system must be carefully managed at all times. 'We also want to ensure that there are no rats in this area. 'PPj will work closely with the management bodies of commercial centres to implement ongoing measures to keep the area clean.' In his speech, Fadlun underscored the need to maintain Putrajaya's clean and well-kept image, while ensuring residents and visitors' welfare. He said the campaign also emphasised volunteerism, community engagement and unity among residents. Some of the young volunteers at event. The event, part of the Best@Putrajaya Campaign, involved 200 participants including residents, business owners, students and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The participants took part in plogging by picking up rubbish in drains and cleaning gutters at the commercial centre. Also present at the event were representatives from Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) and Alam Flora Sdn Bhd.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
In flood-hit Sindh, women revive barter trade to weather climate shocks
JHUDDO, Pakistan: On any given morning in this flood-ravaged town in southern Sindh, Shamim Akhtar's team of three men fans out on motorbikes, collecting scrap metal and plastic from doorsteps. In return, they hand over household essentials: pots, mugs, jugs — items many families need but can no longer afford. It's a barter economy, resurrected not by nostalgia but by necessity. Once a farmer scraping by on unstable harvests, Akhtar, now 48, has become a self-made entrepreneur, running what she calls a modern twist on a traditional system. The shift has brought her stability and income — nearly Rs50,000 ($175) in monthly profit — in a region where formal employment is rare and inflation relentless. 'What we do [in this business] is that we take scrap from people's houses and in return give them new things,' Akhtar told Arab News. 'In old times, our mothers used to give some junk or grain from home and take edible items or some vegetables … We now have revived the same system that we give house utensils [in exchange for their scrap].' RETHINKING LIVELIHOODS AFTER FLOODS The transformation began in the aftermath of Pakistan's devastating 2022 floods, which killed over 1,700 people and displaced millions. In Jhuddo, where vast stretches of farmland were inundated, Akhtar lost her crops and her confidence in agriculture. 'All our crops would get destroyed whenever the flood would hit us,' she said. 'In the initial days of flooding, the NGOs or government would help us but later we used to face very tough financial conditions.' Farming, once her only means of survival, was no longer viable. So she pivoted, choosing to barter in utensils, essential items that every household needs. With capital provided by Germany's Malteser International relief agency, she set up shop with wholesale goods from Hyderabad, sold scrap to local junkyards, and launched a low-cost business model tailored to village economics. 'We don't have a cost-intensive system of giving expensive stuff to the villagers which they can't even afford,' Akhtar explained. 'We are doing this trade at the village level and are giving stuff that the villagers can afford.' The NGO-backed program, a €600,000, 36-month initiative implemented by the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), has helped more than 150 women launch nano-enterprises in climate-affected areas of Mirpurkhas district. 'Earlier, the people here mostly used to do farming and rear livestock, but now they have diversified [their sources of income] to business,' said Komal Jameel, a livelihood officer at SRSO. 'She [Akhtar] keeps giving us her data entry through digitalization on a daily basis. She tells our team how much loss and earnings she is making out of her business. This scrap exchange is a very good business.' WOMEN LEAD NEW ECONOMIC MODELS Across the region, other women are following suit. In Niaz Kapri village, 48-year-old Hameeda Tariq began a similar scrap-for-goods exchange after floods wiped out her family's farmland and livestock. Working with her husband, who sources utensils from nearby cities, she now earns around Rs40,000 ($140) a month. 'Before starting this business, we used to work in the fields and domesticate livestock,' said Tariq, a mother of three. 'What brought us here is the recurring incidents of flooding in our village that would damage our crops and kill our animals.' In neighboring villages, women are testing other models: a cosmetics stall in Roshanabad, a spice business in Khuda Bux II, a beauty parlor and tuck shop in Mir Allah Bachayo union council. All operate on small grants and are tracked digitally via mobile apps provided by SRSO. 'So far we have given grants to 320 individuals for starting nano businesses, of which 50 percent are females,' said SRSO district project officer Maqsood Alam. 'We are strengthening local stakeholders and communities so that they could head toward sustainable livelihood and we could protect them in terms of climate change.' The return to barter, often dismissed as outdated, is gaining currency in places where cash flow is erratic, formal banking is inaccessible, and climate volatility threatens conventional trade. 'This is a miracle in the history of Jhuddo that a female shopkeeper is sitting there and five females are jointly running this business,' Alam said. For Akhtar, the impact is not just economic, but personal. 'This [business] has had a huge impact on my family,' she said. 'Now we are earning a very good income from this, Mashallah, and we are getting a lot of support because of this.'
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Biden migrant child hotline ignored 65K calls': Shocking testimony rocks Homeland Security hearing
During a heated House Homeland Security Committee hearing, shocking revelations emerged about the Biden administration's migrant child protection efforts. Lawmakers learned that a federally operated hotline, meant to report safety issues for unaccompanied migrant children, failed to respond to 65,000 calls between August 2023 and January 2025. Ali Hopper, founder of GUARD Against Trafficking, testified that both federal agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are failing to protect vulnerable children caught in the ongoing border crisis. Show more Show less
