The pain of going through Tuberculosis treatment without the support of friends and neighbours  can have a psychologically effect on a client. Tuberculosis clients are faced with this challenge since the community perceives the disease to be closely associated with HIV. Treatment support combined with client sensitization greatly contribute to treatment success rate.

Olwa Geoffrey, 50 years, of Agwiri village in Oyam district shares his experience after he was diagnosed and treated for TB.

“One year ago, I was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. When I heard the news, I got depressed because I had heard rumors that TB is not curable. When my friends found out that I had TB they withdrew from me, even my neighbours; the ones who learnt that I had TB stopped visiting me. But this did not bother me or make me feel bad because my family members offered me the love, support and affection that encouraged me in taking my medication in order to regain my strength. I advise family members of TB patient not to despair or get depressed. They should encourage the patient and should not be worried or scared because there is treatment for TB.

For many months I was not feeling well until I visited “Te-okic” Iceme Health Centre III accompanied by a community linkage facilitator (CLF) who suspected that I had TB. I was examined by the Clinical Officer, he requested for “aoola” sputum, I was given two tins to put my “aoola” sputum. One tin was taken to John Paul Hospital Aber (PJHA), and another was worked on from the facility. After waiting for the results, I was told that I had TB and my blood was also tested for HIV but I was negative.

Photo 1: A Community Health Worker attached to Iceme HCIII delivering a health talk at

Agwiri Trading Centre, Iceme Sub County during community hotspot screening.

I was started on TB treatment immediately after talking to me about the important of taking my drug correctly without missing. I am very grateful to them. Before the treatment, I could not walk long distances, I lost my appetite for food and had chest pain. The health facility started me on four big tablets a day and told me to come back after they got finished. I started to gain my appetite and strength, I could now walk short distances and started gaining some weight.

I came back after two months and the clinician gave me four smaller tablets to be swallowing. I was given drugs for three months and after completing them, he again sent me back to the laboratory for a test. The results came back and he said I was negative for TB. I was given drug for only one month and was told it was my last month on treatment. After completing that one month, I was again tested but I was negative. I was told that I was cured. I am thankful to God for the treatment given to me and to all the nurses and doctor.”

Iceme Health Centre III is among the PNFP health facilities that are supported by USAID LSDA in Lango region. In Program Year 2, the facility treated 89 clients for TB with a treatment success rate of 88%.

Geoffrey and many other community members in areas surrounding PNFPs supported by USAID LSDA benefit from HIV/TB community services. This story was narrated by our client who completed his TB treatment.