His medicines, once powerful and reliable had seemingly lost their power. As his cough grew stronger, so did his doubts. Ali Suleiman, traditional healer, and herbalist from Mwabungo, Msambweni in Kwale County, had contracted an illness that no herb or charm could remedy. Renowned in the village as Abunuwasi, the vastly experienced traditional healer narrates how he began experiencing periods of fatigue compounded by a severe cough and shortness of breath.
“These symptoms left me distressed, I was curious as to what was going on with my body. I thought someone had infected me with some sickness. I turned to my medicine to alleviate the condition but nothing appeared to work,” he recounts.
In 2011, the laboured breathing forced Ali to seek help from the world beyond his space. He visited Msambweni Sub County Hospital where quick samples were collected and revealed a TB positive outcome. Despite boasting up to 33 years of practice, he had never heard about TB before, and he was sceptical about the diagnosis. He did however, with the benefit of doubt, proceeded with treatment for 6 months.
According to Samwel Kimaru, TB and Leprosy Coordinator, Kwale County, his condition had worryingly deteriorated even after completing treatment. His cough persisted and lost plenty of weight clocking in at 27 kgs. Subsequent tests revealed that he had developed resistance to the anti TB drugs and had developed complications with his lung.
In his weakly and delicate state, he was initiated on DR-TB (Drug Resistant TB) treatment. As result of his declining health, he was forced to give up his practice for the duration of treatment. This absence did not bode well with the community, who interpreted his health struggles because of contracting HIV/AIDS. Ali was admitted in the facility for 2 weeks as he underwent the initial phase of his treatment. He was subsequently discharged to return home for home-based care, but it came with its fair share of hurdles.
“He lives a fair distance from Msambweni Hospital and in his condition, we elected for him to continue treatment at a facility near his home. “Samuel remarks.
Ali found a new home at Axwa Medical Clinic, a private facility in Msambweni that is a walking distance from his home. This integration allowed Samuel to refer him to Nurse Joiria Juma who served at the TB clinic. She issued Ali with his medication during his visits and counselled him accordingly on the importance of adhering to treatment.
“He kept implying about how he did not see himself getting cured of TB and expressed concern about the side effects from the medication. He lamented about shortness of breathness and mild pain during visits. It was a trying time for Ali…” Joiria stresses.
Nevertheless, he received nutritional support in form of food supplements at the clinic in addition to the KES 6,000 monthly stipend given to Drug Resistant TB patients for food and other support. His family was also counselled and tested for TB with negative outcomes. They were all started on TPT. Having learnt from his first spell of treatment, he soldiered through 20 rigorous months and was thereafter declared TB free.
“I’ve since returned to my practice and feel strong and healthy again! I could hardly walk. Being on the brink of death, I now weigh 58 kgs and have a renewed appreciation for life. “Ali declares.
Joiria can hardly contain her elation to the progress “Abunuwasi” made and his recovery has been nothing short of a miracle.
Samuel, on the other hand describes Ali as a story they use to educate, sensitize and inspired the community and beyond through radio and mother media platforms. Ali confesses that his has a newfound purpose and message to his clients who seek his services.
“My message is simple, TB is curable. I advise all persons displaying symptoms such as persistent coughing, fever, night sweats, to visit health facilities for screening and testing before seeking answers from traditional medicine men. Treatment is free!” he proclaims.
He extends his gratitude to his doctors for their selflessness and support during his treatment period. He also acknowledges the government and stakeholders for the provision of anti TB drugs at zero costs.
“Abunuwasi” urges the Government to support and help sensitize other traditional healers about TB and other ailments, for easy referral and linking of potential TB clients to health facilities.
