Christian is a farmer and proud father of three children who lives in Aninri. He works tirelessly, cultivating the land and selling the farm products to support his family. The town is a farming community and serves as the main source of Christian’s family income.
However, his life took an unexpected turn when he contracted tuberculosis. This debilitating illness brought everything to a halt, leaving him unable to carry out even the simplest tasks without assistance. He was confined to the bed for several months, plagued by symptoms such as rapid breathing, persistent coughing, and constant dizziness.
“I am the breadwinner of my family. But when the illness started, I couldn’t take care of my kids anymore. It was a challenging time for me and my loved ones.”, he shared. Christian’s health further deteriorated, and he was always feeling tired and struggled with weight loss. “At a point, I couldn’t recognize people. It was so bad, I thought I had lost my sight.”, he said. He couldn’t go to the farm anymore, and his wife, who works in Benue, had to step in as the breadwinner to support the family.
He also had a major concern that restrained him from going to the hospital: the financial implications on his household. “I worried that if I went to the hospital, I
wouldn’t be able to afford the transportation cost required to visit the clinic frequently. Christian’s fear is one reason why many tuberculosis patients wallow in silence.
“Fortunately, during my darkest hours, the TBLS (Tuberculosis LGA Supervisors) from our local government visited me. Witnessing the severity of my condition, she immediately stepped in to assist my family in transporting me to the hospital for prompt medical attention. It was a turning point in my journey toward recovery.”
South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) and the Enugu State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Unit with funding from Global Fund, identified the tuberculosis hotspots in the state and is responding by linking patients to care. The project supports DR-TB patients on their road to recovery by providing adherence counseling and supporting project beneficiaries financially.
This way, beneficiaries adhere to treatment and don’t miss the Out Patient Department (OPD) clinic. The initiative also provides on-site training to treatment supporters and executes routine household visits to beneficiaries to ensure adherence.
This support played a crucial role in aiding Christian’s recovery. “Recognizing the challenges I faced in accessing healthcare and adhering to treatment, SSDO extended its support by providing a monthly transport allowance. This allowance helped cover transportation costs to and from the clinic, ensuring that I could attend my outpatient department (OPD) visits without any financial We understand that tuberculosis beneficiaries need support systems on the journey to recovery. The project went above and beyond by providing transport allowance to my dedicated treatment supporter. This enabled the treatment supporter to accompany him during medical appointments and assist him in adhering to his medication regimen.
“Their presence, encouragement, and emotional support played a vital role in this challenging period of my life, and SSDO’s assistance ensured that they could fulfill this role effectively.”, Christian further elucidated.
Since commencing treatment in September and faithfully adhering to prescribed medications, Christian’s health has improved significantly. He has regained his strength and independence with his treatment supporter’s unwavering support and encouragement, who ensures he takes his medications regularly. Now, he can walk and has resumed farming activities.
“I can once again venture out to the farm, engaging in the work I love so much. The constant struggle with rapid breathing and persistent coughing has subsided, allowing me to resume my normal activities without needing constant assistance.”
“I also no longer struggle to recognize people. I am glad I didn’t lose my sight. Farming would have been impossible.” Christian can now cater to his family’s needs as he once did. Thus improving their socioeconomic status.
“I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance provided by SSDO which has helped cover the costs of transportation for my visits to the clinic for outpatient department (OPD) visits.”
Christian’s journey to overcome tuberculosis has been arduous, but thanks to the collective efforts of the TBLS, his treatment supporter, and the psychosocial support from SSDO, he is gradually reclaiming his life and pursuing his passion for farming.
“I am filled with hope for the future, knowing that I have a strong support system backing me every step of the way.”
