Successful Treatment of Rare and Resistant Tuberculosis Celebrated

USAID AMPATH Uzima, in collaboration with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), celebrated the successful treatment of a patient diagnosed with Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Samson was identified through a community outreach program by Neighbors In Action Kenya (NIAK) in Tiaty, Baringo County, and had been under treatment at MTRH since 2018. Despite initial treatment, Samson did not respond to first-line medication. Upon confirmation of XDR-TB in 2022 through multiple tests, he has been on treatment for 18 months and is now TB-free. The treatment, involving over one thousand injections, took a multi-disciplinary approach by various TB partners of MTRH.

During the celebration, Professor Lameck Diero, the TB consultant from USAID AMPATH Uzima, commended the multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. The event was officiated by Dr. Philip Kirwa, the acting CEO MTRH, in the company of Professor Sylvester Kimaiyo, chief of party for USAID AMPATH Uzima. Others in attendance were the National TB Program, the Chief Officer of Health-Uasin Gishu County, the County Director of Health, the County TB Coordinator, the Senior Director of Clinical Services, program staff and staff from the MTRH TB Clinic.

On April 23, 2024, Samson joyously returned to his community, escorted by teams from the National TB Program, USAID AMPATH Uzima and MTRH. The occasion not only marked Samson's triumph over TB but also served as an opportunity to combat stigma surrounding the disease and advocate for regular screening within the community.