Malawi Continues Battle Against Tuberculosis as Survivors Share Stories
The fight against TB remains a collective effort, with dedicated professionals and survivors working together to overcome its challenges.
Lilongwe, Malawi — Tuberculosis remains a persistent and life-threatening issue in Malawi, transcending borders and affecting individuals from all walks of life, writes Meclina Chirwa.
Against this backdrop, the personal experiences of individuals diagnosed with latent TB infection and TB disease, as well as the tireless efforts of TB control professionals, come to the forefront.
Stella, a dedicated teacher at Golong’ozi Community Day Secondary School in Msakambewa-Dowa, found herself battling a persistent cough for several months, leading to a series of perplexing diagnoses such as acid reflux, pneumonia, and bronchitis. In 2021, she received the unexpected news of having TB.
"I didn't know much about TB. As a teacher, one of my main concerns upon learning that I had TB was the welfare of my students. My family was also worried, including people in my community," Stella remarked.
Her diagnosis triggered a wave of stigma within her community, with some parents forbidding their children from attending her classes, believing she was beyond help. Stella, however, persevered and diligently followed her treatment plan.
"It was very difficult for me to execute my duties because some parents did not allow their children to attend my classes. They said I was already dead and could not survive. This was very challenging, but I took drugs religiously to prove them wrong that TB is curable. I followed the advice given by doctors until I finished my treatment," she declared.
Yet, even after completing her treatment, it took an additional six months for her fellow teachers to fully understand that she was cured. Discrimination and torment persisted, but Stella refused to give in to despair.
Stella has since become a dedicated TB volunteer in Msakambewa, tirelessly working to raise awareness about TB and advocate for better diagnosis and treatment options.
"I want to bring awareness to the public about Tuberculosis and how it can be contracted. And to the doctors, to find a better cure or diagnose TB faster. And to researchers, to come up with better treatment, shorter and more efficient for patients," she lamented.
Another survivor, Rex, a graduate from Lilongwe, experienced baffling symptoms for seven months, including difficulty speaking and walking.
Frustrated by misdiagnoses, he eventually discovered that he had Tuberculosis and, more alarmingly, Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR-TB).
Rex's primary concern was that TB would derail his graduation plans and potentially spread the disease to his family.
"So there was just a lot of unknowns in having to pause my life in that kind of way. And I was worried about me potentially transmitting the disease to others, especially my family," he shared.
Rex expressed his gratitude towards the medical team at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe for their unwavering support during his battle with TB.
"The doctors were so helpful, and I found incredible resources because of all the knowledge and support. They were there to answer any questions and worries that I had about TB. I am really grateful for the support that I got from the team, and I want to be able to share my story so it could maybe motivate or uplift somebody who might be a patient right now," he emphasized.
In an interview, Lilongwe district TB officer Alice Mdoolo affirmed their commitment to providing quality TB services despite the challenges they face.
"We are committed to fighting TB by providing quality services. Of course, challenges are there, but the good thing is that we are doing well," she reassured.
National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programs Manager Dr. James Mpunga also chimed in, stating, "Malawi is doing very well in the fight against TB. The country is reaching treatment success percentage targets set by the World Health Organization."
As Malawi continues its struggle against Tuberculosis, the stories of survivors like Stella and Rex serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of those affected by this debilitating disease.
The fight against TB remains a collective effort, with dedicated professionals and survivors working together to overcome its challenges.