Ko Hla Myo Tun, a 39-year-old jade stone trader and a father of two sons, was leading a relatively carefree life until early 2021 when he received the distressing news that he had contracted multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
"My initial symptom was a persistent cough with blood. At the clinic, TB was suspected and after several examinations and tests, the doctor confirmed that I had contracted MDRTB and needed to undergo medication for 18 months."
"I vividly remember those days. It was February 1st, 2021, when I was admitted to Patheingyi TB Hospital, coinciding with the political crisis in Myanmar. The very next day, I started TB treatment. It was an extremely turbulent time for the entire country, and I could only stay in the hospital for a week before being discharged. It was quite a difficult time to keep up with the treatment and to receive medication and doses during the amidst of political instability.”
"I was informed that strict adherence to daily medication was crucial for successful treatment. However, what concerned me the most was the difficulty in obtaining TB drugs on time due to the closure of hospitals and clinics."
"It was during those initial months that I came into contact with the healthcare staff from The Union. The TB team provided reassurance and helped ensure I received my medications regularly every month. Their support was a tremendous relief during my time of need. They also guided me on taking the drugs at the right time and correct dosage."
"The first few months of my TB treatment were challenging. I experienced daily vomiting shortly after taking the drugs, and it was a struggle to get out of bed until noon. However, I persevered, and over time, my body adapted to the medication, and my condition improved."
"Due to my illness, I had to stop working since the beginning of my treatment. The financial assistance from The Union helped cover my healthcare expenses and some of my family's needs."
"Visiting The Union's Care Centre during the treatment course was a positive experience. Being located in downtown area, it was convenient and saved me time. During each monthly follow-up visit, all the necessary examinations and blood tests were conducted with great care by the doctors and nurses at the Care Centre. Moreover, I had the opportunity to consult with The Union's staff, including the field officer and DOT volunteer, either during their home visits or by contacting them at any time regarding any health concerns throughout my treatment."
"I was also relieved to learn that the TB screening for all my family members and friends came out negative, indicating their good health."
It was back in 2015 that The Union’s CBDRTBC (Community-Based Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Care) Programme took off its intervention in 27 townships in Mandalay, Magway, Sagaing region and Shan state. It supports the national scale-up plan to end TB by 2030. By working together with the peer volunteers from local communities, it runs community mobilisation and infection control activities, provides psychosocial support by counselling, and delivers Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) to TB patients. Field staff from The Union’s DR-TB programme also pays home visit care once a month to deliver psychosocial counselling to DR-TB patients.
The Union, along with travel and nutrition allowances provided to the patients, has created additional 8 social protection support packages to assist patient needs, some of which are package-1 for travel allowance & specialist consultation, package-3 for medication, package-6 for housing, and package-7 for education of the children of DR-TB patients.
In accordance with the safety measures during the time of Covid-19 pandemic, mobile application developed by The Union’s MEAL & Digital Tool Unit helped smooth out the DOT process by decreasing human contact between volunteers and patients.
"Now, I completed my treatment, and I am improving. I already returned to work. My TB journey is over, and I have come a long way."
"I would like to encourage all TB patients, whether dealing with drug-sensitive TB or MDRTB, not to give up on life. It is a curable disease. Adhering to the medication can be challenging, and the side effects can be tiresome, but do not lose hope. Seek support from family members and healthcare professionals. The road to a normal life awaits at the end."