Daw Nwet, a 60-year-old woman from Chan Mya Thar Zi, Mandalay, Myanmar, supports herself by selling boiled beans and offering laundry services. Her journey – marked by perseverance, courage and the transformative power of health interventions – stands as an inspiration to others battling tuberculosis (TB) and tobacco addiction.
She first realised something was wrong when she experienced relentless fatigue, body aches and a persistent cough lasting three months. “I felt so ill. My body ached. I didn’t want to walk or even move,” she recalls. Despite an initial TB test returning negative, she remained concerned.
Awareness came through a volunteer-led TB campaign in her local community. “They put up advertisements on the street, handed out pamphlets and wallets with TB health messages,” she said. Though the event was crowded, Daw Nwet noted a volunteer’s phone number and reached out the following day. That call set her on the path to diagnosis and recovery.
In July 2024, Daw Nwet was diagnosed with TB. “When I first found out, I was scared,” she admitted. She had to travel to the TB clinic by a motorcycle taxi and later visited the TB Outpatient Department for treatment. There, a pivotal moment occurred.
While waiting for her consultation, she spoke with another patient – a lifelong smoker undergoing TB treatment. “After talking with her, I finally decided to stop smoking. I don’t want to smoke at all anymore. I’m afraid of it,” she shared.
Daw Nwet had smoked cheroots (filterless cigarettes) since the age of 17, consuming two to three daily. Though doctors had previously advised her to quit, she had struggled to stop. Through The Union’s Care Centre, she received consistent TB and tobacco cessation counselling from volunteers, including behavioural support and education, along with follow-up sessions to track progress and offer continued assistance. Moreover, learning about the dangers of second-hand smoke further cemented her decision to stay away from tobacco. Volunteers also supported her with sputum collection and travel allowances, and her commitment was recognised with a prize for successfully quitting tobacco.
She also gave up chewing betel nut after discovering its chemical similarities to tobacco. During her TB treatment she didn’t experience any side effects and reported steady health improvements.
Her family played a crucial role in her recovery. Her husband bought her a medicine bag, a watch to track doses and a water bottle. Her son, who lives separately, provided financial support when needed. Her experience highlights the growing need for TB services, as TB rates continue rise in Myanmar.
Today, Daw Nwet is TB-free and has embraced a tobacco-free lifestyle. “I’ve saved the money I used to spend on cheroots. Now, I can breathe better. I feel stronger,” she says. Even the smell of cigarettes has become intolerable to her – a stark contrast to her past habits. Now, she hopes to inspire others.
“I want to encourage my peers – especially those still smoking during TB treatment – to quit. It takes determination, but life becomes better. No more cost for smoking. No more shortness of breath. I want to show them that quitting is possible, and that a healthier life awaits.”
Daw Nwet’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength within each individual and the profound impact of community health support. Her journey from illness to wellness, and from addiction to freedom, serves as a beacon of hope for others on a similar path.