"My journey as a single mother and a survivor of MDR-TB has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After my treatment at St. Petros Hospital in 2013, I was determined to reclaim my life. Although I now walk with the help of crutches, the road has been filled with obstacles, especially as I strive to provide for my two children. I was severely affected by the TB bacteria because I did not seek treatment as soon as I got sick. Being a disabled person in a bustling city like Addis Ababa comes with its own set of challenges, and I often find myself facing economic hardships. Yet, I refuse to let my circumstances define me. I am actively seeking additional treatment to improve my health and regain my independence. My children are my motivation, and I want to show them that no matter how tough life gets, we can rise above it. I share my story to encourage others who may be struggling; we are stronger than we think, and there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow."

Meseret Fituye ( Mrs)

Member

As a young teenager, facing a diagnosis of bone tuberculosis was an overwhelming experience that felt insurmountable at times. At just 14 years old, I was thrust into a battle that not only affected my physical health but also tested my mental and emotional resilience. Living in a rural area with limited healthcare resources made my treatment journey incredibly challenging, but thankfully, I had the support of dedicated healthcare professionals who guided me through the process. Their unwavering commitment and encouragement helped me persevere, and I am proud to say that I completed my treatment successfully. Today, I am free from TB, a milestone I cherish deeply as it represents my strength and determination. However, my journey is far from over. I now navigate life in a wheelchair, facing daily challenges that many might not fully understand. Despite these obstacles, I remain hopeful and committed to improving my quality of life through regular medical check-ups and continued support from my community. My experience has taught me the importance of resilience and the power of collective strength, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others who are grappling with similar battles. Together, we can overcome the odds, and I believe that with increased awareness and action, we can work towards a future where tuberculosis is eradicated once and for all.

Amenech Araso ( Ms)

Member

At 34, I faced a life-changing challenge when I was diagnosed with a drug-resistant disease. My treatment at St. Peter's Hospital was incredibly tough—eight months of daily injections, followed by two years of taking 14 pills in the morning and 3 at night. The pain was excruciating, and I often felt like I was in a never-ending battle. During this time, I experienced a profound sense of loneliness. Even my friends and husband struggled to understand what I was going through, leaving me feeling isolated. I watched other patients cope with side effects like hearing loss and numbness, but my experience was different—I lost the ability to move my legs completely. This left me confined to the hospital for two long years. After completing my treatment, I faced another setback: I was paralyzed and unable to walk for six years. It was a dark time, but then something beautiful happened. Organic Health Care, an organization founded by my friends who had recovered from TB, welcomed me into their facility. During my recovery, the founder and CEO of the organization, who had been my rock, asked me to marry him while I was still in a wheelchair. We got married, and it was a moment of pure joy amidst the struggle. With the support of the Ministry of Health, I underwent a three-hour surgery on both knees, and I am now on the road to recovery! Today, I’m not just focused on my own healing; I’m dedicated to helping others. I’m actively learning how to overcome the complications of TB and better manage my health. I’ve also taken on the role of a volunteer, educating my community about the precautions they can take to prevent TB. If you’re facing a similar struggle, know that you’re not alone. There is hope, and with the right support and determination, you can reclaim your life. I’m living proof that it’s possible to rise from the ashes and find happiness again. Thank you for letting me share my story with you!"

Sara Mersha ( Mrs)

Member

My name is Kasahun Moges, and I want to share my journey of resilience and hope. At just 17, I was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a moment that changed my life forever. Initially, I thought I could handle the treatment, but when I learned I had developed drug-resistant TB, my world turned upside down. I spent nearly three years battling this illness at St. Peter’s Hospital, a time filled with challenges that tested my faith and determination. The side effects of the medication were tough, and the stigma surrounding TB made it even harder. I had to pause my education, which was heartbreaking. But through the support of my family, healthcare professionals, and my unwavering faith, I persevered. I am proud to say that I am now fully cured and have returned to my studies in accounting. Today, I work as a Junior Accountant at Organic Health Care, a charity founded by MDR-TB survivors like myself. I also serve on the CCM/Ethiopia Global Fund as member representing TB affected people as well as Oversight Committee, advocating for those affected by TB. My message is clear: we need to support patients like me, who deserve a second chance at life. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to seek help and never lose hope."

Kasahun Moges ( Mr)

Junior Accountant

He became a passionate TB activist after championing XDR-TB in 2016. An author writing a biography about HIV and TB, with a background in radio live program and YouTube channel. He interested in the psycho-social impact of TB, support for the quality of TB treatment and life for post TB and believe that everyone has a basic need to be a person, not a disease. He is a founder and Executive Director of TB survivors organization (OHCS). Married a MDR-TB survivor, and a Father of one daughter.

Kitaw Teklemariam

EXecutive Director