Restoring Dignity Through Home-Based Health Care

Mr. Nyamulani Goliati is an 87-year-old man living in Ndalama Village, under Traditional Authority Chakhaza. Despite facing many hardships, he continues to live with strength and courage. His story shows how kindness and support can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Mr. Goliati lives in a modest grass-thatched home and relies solely on small-scale farming to survive. With a daily income of just MK1,000 (approximately $0.60), he struggles to meet even his most basic needs.

Last farming season, Mr. Goliati harvested only eight bags of maize because he didn’t have enough good farming supplies. On top of that, he has also faced serious health problems. In 2013, he had surgery and has been living with a stoma ever since. A stoma is a small opening made on the stomach during surgery to help the body get rid of waste, usually when a person can no longer use the toilet in the usual way.

Mr. Goliati has lived with this condition for over seven years, without any follow-up care. 

Mr. Goliati didn’t have proper colostomy bags, so he had to use unsafe plastic materials, which caused him pain and risk of infection. Still, he faced each day with strength.

During a household visit, a team from the MMCHBC Project met him and was touched by his situation. They quickly provided basic medical supplies like gloves and gauze. Since then, they have been working to get him more help, including proper colostomy bags, food, and health support to improve his life.

Mr. Goliati expressed heartfelt gratitude for the intervention. In his own words, he shared:

“I am grateful for this initiative. It has made my life easier.”

Mr. Goliati’s story shows that many older people in poor communities face quiet, tough struggles. But with care, kindness, and support, their lives can change for the better. Even small acts of help can bring hope, dignity, and remind them they are not alone.