Battling Multi-drug Resistant TB: Elias's Inspiring Journey
Elias's inspiring journey serves as a testament to the resilience of individuals battling TB.
ZOMBA, Malawi — In January 2022, Elias Kanyenda, a resident of Koloko Village in Traditional Authority Mulumbe, Zomba district, received news that would change his life. He was diagnosed with multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), a formidable health challenge that required unwavering determination and resilience, writes Meclina Chirwa.
Elias's journey with MDR-TB began with the onset of persistent cough and other troubling symptoms.
Recognising the urgency of his condition, he initially sought medical assistance at a local clinic but was left without a diagnosis.
Undeterred, he and his family decided to visit Zomba Central Hospital for further evaluation, where the MDR-TB diagnosis was confirmed.
Surprisingly, Elias was relieved by the diagnosis, knowing that it marked the beginning of his path to recovery.
"It was a slight relief because I struggled, and my health was deteriorating. However, I was asking myself where I contracted this disease. I posed the same question to the doctor. He enlightened me that this is an airborne disease, and anyone is at risk," Elias explained.
Over the following 11 months, Elias committed himself to an intense treatment regimen.
Taking more than 20 tablets daily was no small feat, but he remained steadfast in his determination not to miss a single dose. With the finish line in sight, he continues to push forward.
However, Elias's journey wasn't without its challenges. Stigma and discrimination within his community posed additional hurdles.
He endured discrimination, torment, and victimisation, but he didn't allow these obstacles to deter him from adhering to his TB treatment.
"I can testify that TB is curable. The right diagnosis, proper treatment, and much-needed awareness about it are necessary to defeat TB.
TB had disrupted my life on multiple levels. Dealing with TB taught me a few lessons.
Surviving TB turned out to be the best teacher for me," he stated with determination.
Elias's brother, Charles Kanyenda, expressed his gratitude for the support they received from the dedicated healthcare workers at Zomba Central Hospital.
He noted that Elias's journey to recovery was challenging but made easier by the love and care shown by the medical professionals and the community.
Madalitso Chiundira, the District TB Officer at Zomba Central Hospital, shared insights into their efforts to improve treatment success rates.
However, he emphasized that the battle against TB is hindered by issues of stigma and discrimination.
"We are intensifying awareness campaigns through the media and engaging traditional leaders to address the knowledge gap about TB," Chiundira noted.
With a population of 947,812, Zomba boasts 44 health facilities, including 25 microscopy sites and 10 equipped with GeneXpert technology.
There are 96 sputum collection points throughout the district.
In the first half of 2023, the district reported 314 TB cases out of the targeted 409 cases, reflecting the ongoing efforts to combat this infectious disease.
Elias's inspiring journey serves as a testament to the resilience of individuals battling TB.
His determination and commitment offer hope to those facing similar challenges and underscore the importance of raising awareness to eradicate TB and eliminate stigma and discrimination surrounding the disease.