Uzoma is an 8-year-old pupil who lives with her parents in Nkwere LGA in Imo State. Two years ago, she started experiencing a high-grade fever with severe low back pain. Initially, she was treated for malaria without any significant improvement. The symptoms worsened, and she was unable to stand erect, experiencing paralysis of the two lower limbs. At one point, she stopped walking and had constipation with a fever for over 6 months, which led her to stop going to school. The pain she was experiencing made it difficult for her to walk, and her parents made numerous hospital visits to seek a cure, which took a toll on them financially. Subsequently, she was referred to a private hospital in Owerri, which is supported by KNCV Nigeria under the KNCV USAID TB LON 1&2 project.
At the facility, the doctor diagnosed her with TB of the spine following an x ray of the spine and clinical assessment.   She was then put on a 12-month regimen of anti-TB medication in June 2023. After 8 months of treatment, she was able to stand. With 1 month left to complete her treatment regimen, Uzoma can now walk and run. All her symptoms cleared, and she is planning to resume school in September 2024. The parents are grateful for the free treatment received from the KNCV Nigeria supported Public Private Mix (PPM) facility through USAID funding.