Daka Didn't Fight Malaria Alone

Daka* was born into a loving family, the youngest of seven children.

When he was young, his father passed away, leaving him and his six siblings to be raised by a single mother. As his mother struggled to provide, Daka was invited to attend Lifesong school in Zambia where he received Gospel-centered, holistic care at no cost.

As a young child, Daka fell ill often. His family took him to a clinic where he was treated for malaria. But when Daka was 10 years old, his sickness worsened.

Our team sent Daka to Lifesong’s clinic where he received preliminary treatment.

Above: A medical professional performs a checkup for one of the boys we serve.
Top: Daka at Lifesong Zambia.

When he didn’t show signs of improvement, our team transported Daka to a government-run hospital where doctors performed further testing. Daka spent seven days in the hospital, and during that time, our team in Zambia provided his family with food and paid their rental expenses while they were unable to go to work.

A few days later, the doctors diagnosed Daka with a severe type of malaria affecting his lungs. Daka was transferred once again to a children’s hospital for further treatment.

Again, our team was committed to caring for Daka and his family.

They bought food for his mother and all six of his siblings, some of whom stayed home. Lifesong continued to pay for their rent while Daka and his mother remained at the hospital.

Daka received medication and eventually responded to treatment. Since then, he returned home and is thankful to be back in school.

At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The second part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing holistic care to orphaned and vulnerable children so they don’t lack food, clothing, medical care, and shelter.

One of our teammates in Zambia shares—

“Lifesong is making sure the children in schools are in good health by providing access to qualified health professionals and medicine across our facilities.”

Having a clinic on campus enables faster, more accessible care, and when the children we serve need further treatment, our team does everything they can to ensure they get the medical care they need.

The clinic on campus where children receive medical care.

Earlier this year, when children across Zambia experienced a delayed start to the school year due to a cholera outbreak, our team in Zambia jumped into action, providing soap, hand sanitizer, and education for students on how to prevent cholera.

From malaria, to cholera, to checkups, we praise God for blessing our team with the resources needed to care holistically for the children we serve.

*name changed for protection