Thank you for saving my Vôvô

In January, Antonio’s grandfather began to lose weight and look frail.  He had no appetite or strength to play with Antonio as he was accustomed to doing, was unable to cultivate his machamba (vegetable plot) and had a persistent cough which never seemed to improve.

Antonio was very sad to see his favourite vôvô (meaning grandpa) looking so ill, and was extremely worried. In May, Magdalena, local community health volunteer trained by LEPRA Health in Action and president of the village Health Council, visited Miguel’s house on one of her door-to-door health checks and, after discussion with Miguel, informed him that his symptoms could be caused by Tuberculosis. 

After explaining the causes of TB, transmission and treatment to Miguel and his family, LEPRA staff took Miguel to the health centre for diagnosis.  He was diagnosed as having TB and began treatment on 23^rd May under Magdalena’s supervision and with the support of this family. 

Antonio, and Miguel’s other grand-children who spend a lot of time with him were also advised to go for TB testing.

Miguel is now doing well and feeling stronger after almost a month of treatment, but Magdalena is quick to remind him that he must continue taking the medication until tests confirm that he is cured.