People need to access diagnosis and treatment quickly, to limit the damage TB can cause and minimise the risk of passing it to others. But many people do not recognise the symptoms of TB or lack the confidence and resources to seek help – particularly people within the marginalised communities most affected by TB.
Reaching new heights
Tour guide Oscar Kachina was forced to halt an expedition on Mount Mulanje in Malawi when he became breathless. The members of his tour group urged him to seek help, but he did not know what was wrong or where to turn. He went first to a private clinic, but he was not tested for TB and the prescribed medication was ineffective. Fortunately, an outreach worker from TB Alert’s project spoke to Oscar on a door-to-door visit and referred him to the TB service. Oscar was diagnosed with TB in January 2014 and completed his treatment six months later. He told us that he is now fit enough “to reach the summit once more”.