Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable disease, yet it continues to be a significant cause of illness and death among children and adolescents.

According to the World Health Organisation, over 1 million children and young adolescents are diagnosed with TB each year. Among these cases is four-year-old Edith Nakaanga from Chikankata District, whose journey underscores the importance of awareness, timely intervention, and community support.

Edith lives with her grandmother, Prisca Nakaanga, who noticed the child’s persistent cough, which lasted longer than a month. “I was terrified and confused because I did not know much about tuberculosis or what to do,” Ms Nakaanga recalls, reflecting on the anxiety and fear she felt for her granddaughter’s Health.

Seeking help, Ms Nakaanga approached a Community-Based Volunteer (CBV) in her area. “The volunteer promptly referred me to Chikankata Hospital, where Edith was tested and diagnosed with TB. She was immediately placed on medication, initiating a critical phase of her recovery”, she said.

A CBV was then dispatched to Edith’s village to investigate the disease further and conduct TB screening among the residents. Of the ten individuals tested, one child and two adults were diagnosed with TB, while four others were started on TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) to mitigate the further spread of the disease.

After starting her treatment in July 2020, Edith completed her medication in January 2023.

Her grandmother says Edith and her family members are in good Health thanks to the diligent efforts of the CBVs and the support from the Chikankata Mission Hospital and the TBLON project.

The USAID-funded Tuberculosis Local Organisations Network (TBLON) project, implemented by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) through AFYA MZURI, a CIDRZ sub-partner, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has been instrumental in supporting CBVs.

These dedicated volunteers are instrumental in raising TB awareness, identifying suspected cases, and facilitating access to quality care within communities.