Stop TB Partnership

Not your Average Radio Show

By Muhammad Kyeyune of SORAK Development Agency (Uganda)

Fred Mukwaya is a 38 year-old resident of an urban slum in Mubende. After Fred lost his wife to HIV/AIDS, he could barely support his four children on his income of less than 1 dollar per day. His children were quickly taken by their maternal relatives, and now live miles apart. In such a lonely life, Fred became an addict. Months later, he developed TB symptoms including fevers, night sweats and weight loss. To Fred, the symptoms came as a blessing in disguise.

"While sipping local brew with friends in the evening during the month of August 2010, I happened to listen to a Radio Health programme "Heart Doctor". The programme sunk in my mind because most of the issues that were being addressed were happening in my life then," he says, adding "I was only taking Paracetamol for self medication against the constant fever and cough." At one time, Fred revealed to have consulted a witchdoctor over his sickness. During the radio programme, Sorak Development Agency and other health professionals elaborated a number of issues related to TB/HIV and were encouraging persons with any of the TB symptoms to reach the nearest health unit for screening.

Following the radio show, Fred says his local bar friends started making fun of him by pointing out his constant cough. They joked that he should be tested on the spot. "Although they were making fun of me, I did not take it as a joke because surely I realized my life was in danger and I was putting others in danger as well" Fred narrates.

He proceeded to the Health Unit the following day, only to discover that he was not only infected with TB but with HIV/AIDS as well.

"I’m so happy with SORAK. Had it not been for the health radio programme and further psychosocial support, I would be dead by now" he commends. "I have already completed the TB dosage and I am happily living a positive life on ARVs," Fred concludes his testimony. He is thankful to have discovered both TB and HIV before it was too late. Fred contemplates remarrying and looks forwards to integration with his children. He now lives his life with optimism and hopes to blow out many more birthday candles.