Tanzania's Muhimbili hospital declares full recovery for boy who survived throat cut
What you need to know:
- Malik’s mother, Shani Charles, expressed deep gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as the doctors and healthcare staff at MNH, for their support throughout her son’s treatment
Dar es Salaam. Six-year-old Malik Hashim has been declared fully healed by Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) following 107 days of treatment after he survived a brutal throat-slashing attack.
The incident, which occurred in the Goba Kinzudi area of Dar es Salaam on July 15 this year, reportedly involving the family’s housemaid, necessitated five hours of surgery performed by a dedicated team of 12 surgeons.
In an exclusive interview with The Citizen, MNH Head of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, Dr Aslam Nkya, confirmed Malik’s recovery, saying the hospital has completed his treatment and he can now lead a normal life.
Malik initially spent 25 days in hospital and was discharged on August 7, 2024.
Muhimbili National Hospital’s Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department, Dr Aslam Nkya shares a light moment with Malik Hashim following his recovery at a press conference in Dar es Salaam on November 1, 2024. PHOTO | COURTESY. PHOTO | COURTESY
However, he continued to attend weekly hospital visits for additional care until his recent discharge.
“We discharged Malik with a tracheostomy tube to assist his breathing while he continued treatment.
His breathing system was still fragile at the time, which required him to have the tracheostomy in place,” explained Dr Nkya on Friday.
“During the weekly visits, we replaced the tracheostomy tube and carried out minor surgery to remove granulation tissue before declaring him fully healed,” he said.
Dr Nkya further elaborated that granulation tissue, a type of tissue that forms during wound healing, can obstruct the airways if not properly managed.
Malik’s mother, Shani Charles, expressed deep gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as the doctors and healthcare staff at MNH, for their support throughout her son’s treatment.
“It wasn’t an easy journey,” Ms Shani said.
“Without the support of the President and the MNH staff, we couldn’t have managed,” she added.
She also shared that the attack has impacted the family’s daily lives.
They relocated to a new area to help Malik put the traumatic incident behind him, and his education has been temporarily paused until next year.
The journey also required her to give up her income-generating activities to focus on Malik’s care, particularly ensuring that his tracheostomy was managed with strict hygiene practices.
MNH Executive Director Prof Mohamed Janabi said that Malik was admitted to the hospital in critical condition due to severe lacerations to his throat, which nearly affected his voice box.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the President and our local doctors for saving Malik's life. The total cost of Malik's treatment amounted to Sh15 million, all of which was covered by the President," remarked Prof Janabi.
Addressing the media on July 17, 2024, Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed that the search for the alleged housemaid was successful, with the suspect apprehended on 22 July.
