Thomas Otulo’s journey of triumph over TB and HIV

In the heart of Tanzania’s Shinyanga region, where deeply rooted beliefs in witchcraft often prevent people from seeking medical care, Thomas Otulo Kakoyo stands victorious, having overcome this challenge.

His journey from being a feeble patient with tuberculosis (TB) to a Peer Educator at Ngokolo Health Centre highlights the life-saving impact of timely diagnosis and treatment for TB and HIV.

Like many in his community, Thomas initially sought traditional remedies when he fell ill, convinced he had been bewitched. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, trapping him in a cycle of suffering and uncertainty. A pivotal moment came when a Peer Educator encouraged him to visit Ngokolo Health Centre for medical evaluation.

“Before visiting the facility, I was unaware of what TB was and believed I had been bewitched. However, through proper counselling and testing, I was diagnosed with TB and immediately began the appropriate treatment,” he recalls.

In 2021, Thomas faced the challenge of being diagnosed with both TB and HIV—a dreadful combination that left him weighing half the expected weight for an average man at 38 kg. With concurrent TB treatment and antiretroviral therapy (ART), his health improved. Today, at a healthy 70 kg, he is a testament to the effectiveness of proper medication and care.

Determined to prevent others from going through similar struggles, Thomas embarked on a new mission: to educate his community about the realities of TB and HIV.

“Although TB can be life-threatening…, with proper medication, it can be cured,” he said.

Since 2022, Thomas has served as a Peer Educator at Ngokolo Health Centre, advocating for TB and HIV prevention, care, and treatment services, under the guidance and supervision of healthcare workers.

Despite the ongoing stigma and misconceptions surrounding these diseases, he remains committed to ensuring that more people have access to the lifesaving care they need.

His efforts are part of the broader impact of the PEPFAR/CDC Afya Hatua Project, implemented by THPS. This initiative has played a crucial role in improving TB case identification and treatment efficiency throughout Shinyanga.