Beating the Odds: Aniefiok Warrie’s Inspiring TB Story
Mr. Daniel James, a KNCV Nigeria staff member working as a Contact Tracer at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial in Calabar, has a knack for identifying TB cases among strangers. One such case was Mr. Warrie, a 42-year-old crab farmer from Ndiya in Etinan LGA, Akwa Ibom State. Mr. James encountered Mr. Warrie coughing outside his residence on his way back from performing his daily activities.
The persistent cough caught Mr. James’ attention, prompting him to inquire about its duration and whether Mr. Warrie had sought medical help. Mr. Warrie explained that he had visited a chemist twice for symptoms like cough, weakness, and fever, but the prescribed treatments provided no lasting relief. He also reported to a hospital but did not follow up due to the high costs. On March 5th, Mr. James collected a sputum sample from Mr. Warrie for diagnostic evaluation, which confirmed a case of drug-susceptible TB.
Due to his weakened state, Mr. Warrie could not follow Mr. James to the DOTs (Directly Observed Treatment) center. As a result, Mr. James brought the TB medication to him at home. Additionally, following assessment for eligibility, Mr. Warrie’s mother, his only family member, was placed on TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) medication. With two months of treatment left to complete his treatment cycle, Mr. Warrie has regained his strength and returned to his crab farming business. He is deeply grateful to Mr. James and the KNCV Nigeria team for their timely intervention and support.
