A Life Restored: Gbenga Tanure's TB Recovery Story
Gbenga Tanure is a 45-year-old carpenter who lives with his mother in Aladja Community in Delta State. Thinking of his backstory, he is deeply grateful to be alive to share his experience. His health challenges began around July 2025, when he developed a persistent and severe cough, accompanied by significant weight loss and a loss of appetite.
Initially, the symptoms appeared mild but as time progressed, his condition worsened. What began as a seemingly minor illness soon took a serious turn with his strength declining to the point where he needed help to walk and perform even basic daily activities. Eventually, his condition forced him to stop working, bringing his source of livelihood as a carpenter to a halt.
In search of relief, Gbenga relied on various traditional remedies, following recommendations from friends and neighbors. He also visited multiple over-the-counter pharmacies in hopes of finding effective medication. By October, there was a brief improvement that suggested recovery was possible, but this was short-lived, and his health deteriorated once again.
By November 2025, his condition had worsened so severely that he could no longer walk. A concerned friend carried him to the emergency unit at Central Hospital, Warri. Upon admission, the attending physician requested diagnostic tests, including HIV test and an investigation into the cause of his persistent cough. The KNCV Nigeria Ad hoc staff, Mrs. Justina Oyovwin, took his sample for evaluation.
Gbenga was surprised to learn that both tests were conducted at no cost. The results confirmed that he had tuberculosis. Once again, he was amazed not only by the free diagnosis but also by receiving his tuberculosis medications free of charge. Gbenga’s recovery was remarkable. He regained his strength, could walk independently, and has since resumed his normal daily activities. Most importantly, he has returned to his workshop.
Reflecting on his experience, Gbenga admitted that fear of hospital expenses delayed his decision to seek professional medical care. Ironically, he later realized that he had spent far more money on traditional treatments and medications purchased from over-the-counter pharmacies than he did at the hospital.
This experience has completely transformed his perspective on healthcare.
“Now I know that the hospital should be my first point of call when I am unwell. One might be lucky to receive free treatment, just like I received for tuberculosis,” he said.
Gbenga openly shares his story, a journey he describes as a narrow escape from death, in the hope that it will encourage others to seek timely medical care. He appreciates the KNCV team for their encouragement and support during his treatment cycle.
