Windhoek couple mourns loss of quintuplet
Hilia Kalume, the 38-year-old mother who gave birth to quintuplets on Tuesday last week, said she does not blame anyone for her youngest baby’s death. The baby girl died while in an incubator.
The five babies, three boys, and two girls were delivered on Tuesday via caesarean section at the Windhoek Central Hospital.
However, the couple lost their youngest baby girl due to a lack of oxygen at the hospital.
“I know my child was a fighter, and I cannot blame anyone for her death. However, I know the hospital acted too slow to put her on enough oxygen,” she said.
The babies have now been transferred to Rhino Park Private Hospital for them to be supplied with the required care and attention. She said although the quintuplets still have a long journey ahead of them as they were born prematurely, she is adamant the remaining babies will all survive, as
they are doing very well.
The Khomas governor Laura McLeodKatjirua yesterday offered Kalume her heartfelt condolences when she delivered groceries, clothes and other items to the value of N$2 500.
“Sorry for the loss of your baby. Take it from our hearts that we regret to hear the bad news. Receive our condolences and let that innocent baby rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said the health ministry would provide the mother and her five babies with
free medical care and supply them with disposable nappies, blankets, cots, and milk formula valued at N$60 000 for the next 12 months.
Windhoek mayor Job Amupanda and deputy mayor Clemencia Hanases also paid the mother and babies a visit on Friday and donated five parcels of baby products worth N$6 000.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa and the party’s members of parliament on Thursday donated N$12 360 in cash and some baby clothes.