Sister Sister
Susan (left) poses with her younger sister Marta.
Meet Sisters Susan* and Marta* Duwe. Susan is 89 years old, and Marta is 68. They live together six miles from FAME, in a small village in Karatu. On this day, they are the first patients at FAME’s Outpatient department (OPD) for a follow-up visit, arriving at 8 am. They shared a boda boda (motorcycle) to get here.
“Susan and I live together. Our children have moved on, and our husbands are dead, so it’s just the two of us. A friend told us about this hospital and said she had a good experience. Susan was suffering from back pain at the time, so we came here to see a doctor.”
Once at FAME, Susan was diagnosed with lumbar (lower back) muscle strains. She was prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation, which gave her great relief. A month ago, she was sick again, this time with something different, so they returned to FAME. She was diagnosed with hypertension. After a month on medication, she is back for a follow-up visit.
“We have always had a good experience at FAME. Every time we come here, Susan gets better. Today I hope the doctor gives her the same medicine as last time, as it works very well. She can now help with chores like cleaning dishes, even though I ask her not to! She says she feels stronger.”
Susan only speaks her tribal language, so her sister translates for us. In many cases, relatives who speak Swahili are the best translators for patients, but in cases where a Swahili-speaking friend or relative is unavailable, FAME has on-site social workers who step in as translators.
“FAME is Good! They help me a lot. Marta is very young, so she has no medical issues. I’m old and always need a doctor for something. I’m happy that Marta and FAME are here for me.”
*While the patients’ names have been changed to protect privacy, permission was secured to share their photos and story with FAME supporters and to raise awareness of available medical care at FAME Medical.