It is 2012 in Maenje village, under the area of Senior Chief Dambe in Mchinji District.

Three‑year‑old Elita has just become visually impaired. But this is no natural tragedy—it is man‑made.

Her parents had been applying traditional medicine to her eyes, believing the problem was minor and did not require medical attention.

Elita’s father, Laison Paulo, recalls vividly:
"She was born with cataract, and while we tried to help her with traditional medicines, things got worse—our daughter completely lost her sight."

This marked the beginning of Elita’s 14‑year struggle with blindness, a journey that only ended in December 2024 at Nkhoma Mission Hospital, where she underwent successful surgery.

Laison remembers how he and his daughter became a laughing stock in the community.
"Elita would hardly go to school, nor would she play with her friends."

It took the intervention of the Parents for Disabled Children Association of Malawi (PODCAM) to change her story. The NGO facilitated Elita’s surgery at Nkhoma Mission Hospital.

Now, Elita has regained her sight. She is back in school—her laughter restored, her confidence renewed. Beyond the classroom, she has taken on a new role as a child parliamentarian for Senior Chief Dambe’s Children’s Parliament, where she advocates for the rights of children with disabilities.

"My life, once marked by isolation and ridicule, now shines as a story of resilience and transformation," Elita says.

Her teacher, Wilson Trust Nyongo, has observed remarkable improvements in her academic performance since the surgery. He recalls the stark contrast between her struggles before and her renewed determination after regaining her sight.

In Nakolakola village, under Traditional Authority Simphasi in Mchinji, 18‑year‑old Ashraf Ackson sits at home, his life forever changed after losing his sight at the age of 12.

His mother, Bernadeta Shadreck, recounts:
"It all began one morning when Ashraf was cultivating in the field and an object pierced his eye. Desperate for a cure, we sought help from different traditional doctors, hoping their remedies would restore his vision. But nothing worked. His condition worsened until he lost his sight completely."

Ashraf’s dream of becoming a teacher is gone. He dropped out of school because of visual impairment.
"I was once a learner at Chioko Primary School, building my future. But now the dream is gone. I am home, hopeless," he says.

Health expert Madalitso Mataya, an optometrist at Mchinji District Hospital, together with an eye specialist from Nkhoma Mission Hospital, conducted Elita’s surgery and assessed Ashraf’s condition. Mataya warns that untested traditional remedies can be harmful if not properly administered.

Child Rights Activist Memory Ngosi expresses concern over parents’ reliance on traditional medicine in desperate attempts to heal their children. She praises PODCAM’s work in protecting children’s health and rights, urging:
"Parents must always prioritize their children’s health and seek medical help when needed."

Chikondi Mwale, PODCAM project officer in Mchinji under the Tikwanilitse ndi Kuteteza Maufulu a Ana Project, says the organization is working with communities to raise awareness about children’s rights and provide necessary support.

The stories of Elita and Ashraf highlight the risks of unregulated traditional medicine, especially for children. Across the country, communities need sensitization on the dangers of such practices, which pose serious health risks.

Parents are advised to seek professional medical care whenever their children fall ill, rather than resorting to untested traditional remedies.

Early diagnosis and treatment by qualified health workers can prevent complications and safeguard children’s futures.

Experts also urge government to intensify awareness campaigns in rural areas, strengthen community health systems, and regulate traditional practices.

By working with local leaders and health institutions, government can ensure parents are informed about the dangers of unsafe remedies and the importance of timely medical intervention.