Nsa’s Triumph Over Drug-Resistant TB

Nsa Okon Effiong is a 31-year-old woman who lives in Iyonde, a suburb behind the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) in Calabar. Her ordeal began in September 2024 when she started experiencing unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, persistent coughing, and chest pain. Her strength gradually failed, and she became frail. Worried about her health, her family believed she might be suffering from a spiritual attack or witchcraft. They visited various churches for deliverance, patronized traditional remedies, and over-the-counter medications, but none were effective. Her condition continued to worsen, yet accessing proper healthcare services was not considered.

Disturbed by her worsening condition, one of her brothers urgently took her to the General Hospital in Calabar on December 12, 2024. After a consultation, she was sent to the laboratory for several tests, including serology and GeneXpert. The results were revealing: the serology test came back positive, and GeneXpert confirmed MTB detected (very low) with Rifampicin resistance. Finally, the underlying cause of Nsa’s health crisis was identified as drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB). She was promptly referred to Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital (DLHMH) for specialized treatment.

With prompt and effective medical intervention, including baseline investigations and the initiation of the BPAL-M treatment regimen, Nsa’s journey to recovery began. Within just two weeks, visible improvements were noticed. She also started her prescribed antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Although she experienced episodes of nausea and vomiting, these side effects were swiftly managed. Her appetite returned, and her strength gradually restored
Today, Nsa is doing remarkably well and looks like her vibrant old self. Her weight has increased from 40kg at baseline to 50kg at the end of treatment. She stands as a powerful example that co-infections can be successfully treated with timely and appropriate care, which is available at no cost