Timely knowledge saves 5 lives

Friday, January 22, 2016

U Tun, 60, works as a vegetable farmer. A grandfather of 4, he is the main breadwinner for his family. His working-age children, like many young adults in Myanmar, migrated to Thailand for work, leaving their young children at home with U Tun and his wife.

One day, he started to suffer from an unknown fever. As is common practice, he bought medicines without a prescription and tried taking traditional remedies.

“There was blood when I coughed and I lost my appetite,” says U Tun. His condition became worse. Even though he suffered from a prolonged cough for over two months, he did not think much about it. As the breadwinner, he was more concerned about making money.

By lucky chance, Daw Kyi, U Tun’s wife, was invited to participate in a tuberculosis (TB) learning session in her village supported by World Vision.

Daw Hla, a trained health volunteer, led the session. They talked about identifying the symptoms of TB, how to prevent TB, and if diagnosed – the proper treatment methods.

Afterwards, Daw Kyi went home with doubts and anxiety about her husband’s condition. She shared with her husband what she learned. The following day, U Tun agreed to take sputum test for TB bacteria.

The test came back positive.

“I never thought that I could be infected by Tuberculosis,” says U Tun. “I had to stay in bed most of the time, I could not go to work or visit my neighbours so they thought I am going to die soon."

Daw Kyi’s next worry was about her grandchildren. She learned in the session that since the TB bacteria can be airborne, if an adult has TB, the children should also be tested immediately.

“I worried so much for my grandchildren, they don’t have their parents to take care of them,” says Daw Kyi.

Unfortunately, all four grandchildren also tested positive for TB.

Time for battle

With perseverance and determination, U Tun and his grandchildren finished the full course of therapy. Daw Hla visited U Tin’s home every month and delivered medication for him and his grandchildren from the township TB diagnosis and treatment units.

“At first, I don’t want to take TB medicines. It tasted bitter and I felt pain in my arms and legs when I took it,” recalls Thura, one of the grandchildren.

Not completing the entire TB treatment could cause the bacteria to become resistant to drugs, leading to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis which is much more dangerous and difficult to treat.

“I needed to wake the children up around 5am each morning to complete their medications.”

To identify suspected TB cases, World Vision trained and equipped self-help group members, also known as Direct Observation Treatment (DOT) providers, with the proper health knowledge. They conduct TB behaviour change communications sessions and look for suspected TB cases in their community.

When suspected cases are identified, they refer them to the township for TB diagnosis and treatment. Then for the positive patients, they regularly follow up at home to administer DOT. In order to improve healing, World Vision provides nutritious foods such as rice, eggs, and multivitamins for TB patients while they are taking medication.

The success

After completing 6 months of treatment with regular follow-up and support, U Tun and his 4 grandchildren fully recovered.

“I am so happy that I don’t have to take the pills anymore. I don’t have fever and I won’t miss my school days again,” shares Thura.

“I am very glad that they are healthy again, I am thankful to World Vision” says Daw Kyi.

Timely knowledge saved 5 lives.

Grant Profile

Grant project name: Breaking the Vicious Cycle: empowering people infected and affected by TB to address TB, MDR TB and HIV/TB problems
Funded by: Global Fund - Round 9
Time frame: 4 years (2013 - 2016)

Purpose and Objective: The Global Fund is fully covering implementation of the TB project in 5 locations in Tanintharyi Division: Dawei, Thayetchaung, Launglon, Kawthoung and Myeik, and Loikaw, Hlaingtharya and Thanbyuzayat.
Objective 1: Pursuing high quality DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course)
Objective 2: Addressing TB/HIV, MDR-TB and other challenges such as TB care for high risk groups in border areas and infection control.
Objective 3: Advocacy, Communication, Social Mobilization (ACSM) and community based DOTS in hard-to-reach areas by partner agencies.