EASTERN Cape Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth, has expressed shock at the sudden passing of two-month-old Anothando Mtshobi, from Ngavungavu location in Libode, who was born with suspected progeria, a rare genetic condition that causes one\u2019s skin to age rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The child passed away at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha on September 23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meth had earlier visited Anothando in hospital and given her clothes and toiletries, on September 3, after her facial photos were circulated on social media platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am deeply saddened by the death of this young girl. The death of a child is unnatural, unfair, and tragic, and I would like to offer my sincere and deep condolences to the family. We feel the pain they are going through,\u201d said Meth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Test results had not yet come back to confirm whether baby Anothando was born with progeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meth said the child passed away due to other medical problems that she was treated for at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGenetic studies of progeria are still pending; however, other investigations done confirmed that the child had other underlying congenital infections that led to her complications,\u201d Meth said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petrus Majola, the founder of Khula Community Development Services, a non-governmental organisation championing children\u2019s and women\u2019s rights, who has been given permission to speak on behalf of the bereaved family, confirmed that baby Anothando\u2019s funeral service would be held today, September 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCape Town-based pastor, Anele Heli, visited the family on September 8 after he also saw photos of the late child on social media and had promised to assist by building the family a house. Upon hearing the news of the child\u2019s passing, the pastor has committed himself to cover funeral expenses for baby Anothando,\u201d Majola said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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