The Tailor of Gidan: A Brother's Love and A family's healing
In the quiet neighborhood of Gidan Turaki in Angwan Gaya, Lafia, 30-year-old Dahiru spent most of his days behind a sewing machine, working tirelessly to provide for his family. But beyond the rhythm of his work was the growing fear of watching his 60-year-old mother, Fatima A, and his 15-year-old sister, Fatima, gradually decline in health. At first, the family dismissed the symptoms. His mother’s persistent cough and night sweats were attributed to old age, while his sister’s fatigue and weight loss were blamed on school stress and poor nutrition. They relied on over-the-counter medications and traditional remedies, but their condition continued to worsen.
Everything changed when Dahiru attended a community sensitization session organized by the KNCV Nigeria outreach team at PHC Angwan Toni. As health workers described the signs of Tuberculosis, including a cough lasting more than two weeks, night sweats, and weight loss, Dahiru realized the symptoms matched exactly what his mother and sister were experiencing. Determined to act, he encouraged both women to visit the health facility despite his mother’s initial hesitation. Following a clinical assessment and Gene-Xpert testing, both were confirmed positive for Tuberculosis.
For Dahiru, whose tailoring business barely sustained the household, the news was initially frightening. However, learning that TB diagnosis and treatment were completely free brought immense relief. On December 22 and 24, 2025, his mother and sister were enrolled on a six-month treatment regimen. Dahiru did not stop at taking them to the clinic; he became their dedicated treatment supporter, balancing his tailoring work with the daily responsibility of supervising their medication and ensuring they made their follow-up visits.
Today, both patients are responding well to treatment, and their health has significantly improved. For young Fatima, the fatigue that once affected her schooling has eased, while her mother is gradually regaining her strength. For Dahiru, now regarded as the “Health Champion” of his household, every stitch he sews carries renewed hope for a healthier future. Their story stands as an important reminder that Tuberculosis is curable when detected early and treated properly, and that community awareness and family support remain vital in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB).
