In Afghanistan, where access to healthcare is limited, spreading awareness and providing health education is crucial in preventing tuberculosis (TB) and other common diseases.
By educating the public about TB symptoms and prevention methods, individuals can learn to recognise the disease, protect themselves and their communities, and contribute to controlling and eventually eliminating TB.
IDP camps in Afghanistan serve as important venues for health education sessions, where information about TB is disseminated. These sessions help people, especially young adults, understand TB and encourages them to seek detection and treatment.
In 2023, thanks to these efforts, 45,432 people at the community level in Afghanistan sought health services after attending health education sessions, with 7,847 of them being referred as TB suspected cases.
Story of change: A journey towards TB recovery
Mohammad Ayoob, 17, Herat province
Surrounded by fellow patients in the hospital treatment yards, Mohammad courageously shares his emotional journey battling tuberculosis. He first began experiencing symptoms such as coughing and fatigue but, despite seeking treatment from various doctors, his condition did not improve.
It was only when two active screeners visited the IDP camp and conducted a health education session about TB that Mohammad, asked to provide a sputum sample, received confirmation of his tuberculosis diagnosis, and began treatment at the nearest diagnostic health facilities.
Along with the physical consequences of the disease, Mohammad encountered significant challenges. His health deteriorated, causing him to become increasingly thin and weak, ultimately preventing him from attending school. Notably, according to the latest Global Tuberculosis Report from the WHO, approximately 1.25 million children and young adolescents (0-14 years) contracted TB in 2022, keeping them away from school.
In addition, being separated from his family as part of the treatment protocol, intensified the psychological struggle. (read more→)
Mohammad’s gratitude to the IDP active screeners and HealthNet TPO for his diagnosis, which allowed him to access free treatment and the hope of recovery, was immense. However, the discomfort of not being able to work and support his family persisted, as the illness reduced his strength, making it difficult for him to actively participate in activities.
Furthermore, the societal stigma attached to the disease intensified Mohammad’s challenges. Only after undergoing six months of treatment, he began to regain control of his life and was able to return to school, marking a turning point in his journey towards recovery.
In his final note, Mohammad shares a message of hope, expressing his belief that with continued support from organisations like HealthNet TPO.
“One day Afghanistan will be free from tuberculosis.”
–Mohammad Ayoob
