SHORT TUBERCULOSIS PORTRAIT

Toafeek (24) and his family carry royal blood in their veins. They are descended from King Oyetunde, one of Ibadan's traditional leaders. Though they do not hold official power, Nigerian kings still have an important role to play in society.

Toafeek is in the line of succession. But the prince is sick. He is extremely thin, feels weak and has to lay down for a few hours in the daytime. Four months ago he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. “I had heard of the disease, but didn't know the symptoms, because I've never known anyone with tuberculosis. I don't know how I was infected.”
Damien Foundation arranged treatment for Taofeek, and he is gradually regaining his strength. “I'm no longer lying in bed all day.” But it will take up to a year before he is back to his old self. “As soon as I feel strong enough, I'll return to my apprenticeship as a printer.”