A warm and emotional welcome awaited 29-year-old Samson Kibet as he returned home to Kacheliba, West Pokot County. After spending over two years in TB isolation, his cousin Gladys and neighbors greeted him with open arms and tears of joy. As he stepped out of the van with a broad smile, Samson was overwhelmed by the heartfelt song and dance. He was finally home, after a six-year battle that had put his dreams on hold and tested his resilience to the limit.
Back in June 2018, Samson’s life took an unexpected turn. Fresh out of high school and ready to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher, he began feeling weak, losing weight, and suffering from a persistent cough and occasional night sweats. At Kacheliba District Hospital, tests revealed he had Drug-Sensitive TB (DS-TB). But despite starting treatment, his condition worsened, and further tests confirmed he had Pre- XDR TB, a rare and severe form of TB resistant to almost all known medications.
“I couldn’t understand why this was happening to me,” Samson recalls. “I had just received an admission letter to Thogoto Teachers Training College.”
Living with his cousin Gladys, a nurse at Kacheliba District Hospital, Samson faced a harsh new reality. Gladys was also deeply concerned for her three children living with them. “I panicked at first!” she admits. “I was worried for their wellbeing.” Due to the lack of resources at Kacheliba District Hospital, Samson was transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for specialized care.
He began an 18-month treatment regimen, starting at a mere 41 kg. His unwavering determination saw him through, and by 2020, he was discharged after tests showed he was free of TB. However, his relief was short-lived. Symptoms resurfaced and further tests confirmed a recurrence of Pre-XDR TB.
Samson was readmitted to MTRH for another 11 months, undergoing intensive treatment once more. Reflecting on this period, Samson says, “Going through it again was troubling. I felt neglected and questioned the path my life was taking.”
Back home, the stigma surrounding his condition was palpable. Neighbors constantly inquired about his whereabouts and the nature of his illness, prompting Gladys to eventually build a house of her own to escape the judgment and ensure her family’s safety.
Despite these challenges, Samson’s spirit remained unbroken. In January 2022, he returned to the hospital, alarmed by his deteriorating health. He was coughing up blood and feared the worst.
“He was coughing up blood, which alarmed us, and we had to admit him,” recalls Alice Koech, SCTLC, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Uasin Gishu County.
Samson started another treatment regimen, but three months in, his condition continued to decline. Desperate and disheartened, he confided in Alice, “I don’t see the need to continue with these drugs as my health has continued to worsen.”
Alice, moved by his plight, provided emotional support and sought a new treatment plan through a collaborative effort involving the National TB Program and various TB implementing partners, who fomulated a regimen. This time, the new regimen began to show positive results. Samson’s tests finally came back negative for TB, and in April 2024, he was declared cured and discharged.
Monica Rotich, a clinician at MTRH’s MDR-TB Isolation Ward, celebrated Samson’s discharge, acknowledging the immense physical and psychological toll the treatment had taken on him. “The duration of treatment was lengthy even for someone as resilient as Samson. It made him anxious and affected his physical and mental health.”
Samson, now healthier and weighing 53 kg, is optimistic about the future. He praises his doctors and the unwavering support he received, which helped him persevere through the darkest times.
“Stigma is still prevalent in the community, but we must focus on getting better,” he urges. “People need to learn more about TB and avoid spreading misinformation. TB treatment is free, and it has a cure.”
He encourages others to accept their diagnosis and adhere to their treatment. “I’ve braved the worst days of my life for six years and came out victorious. Thanks to the strong-willed, kind-hearted doctors and God’s grace, I am alive today.”
Managing such patients can be difficult for healthcare providers, but MTRH supports its staff with counseling sessions to help them cope. “We are grateful to the National TB Program, MTRH management, County Team, and our partners for their support,” Monica adds.
“I’m excited to share some incredible news that I’ve been accepted to join Chester Teachers Training College right here in West Pokot to pursue my dream of being a teacher and making a difference in the world.” he delights.
As Samson prepares to embark on a new chapter in his life, he stands not only as a TB survivor but as a testament to the power of resilience and hope.