One chief�s victory over deadly TB

Friday, April 03, 2015

For many, tuberculosis is a lethal disease – a death sentence unless curative programmes are initiated quickly. The 83-year old chief of Semotswane village fought the even deadlier Multi Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, and won. He speaks to Mmegi Correspondent, LINDIWE MOZOLA

The arduous journey towards the cure of Multi Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) requires potent personal strength, hope and faith, Kgosi Balemetse Bailaphuti says.

The 83-year-old chief of Semotswane village near Tonota explains that when he was diagnosed with MDR TB in 2009, he was sure he had heard the death knell, given all the stories he had heard. He was immediately started on medication, but the fear and hysteria associated with the disease weakened his resolve; was there even a need to fight?

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