Kennedy (not his real name), a 50-year-old resident of Coopil village in Unyama Sub County, Gulu district, contracted TB in 2021. He had been serving in the Miliciaya (Local Defence Force) since 2007 and was released to seek medical treatment. Despite being on treatment, Kennedy’s condition did not improve, and he eventually abandoned the treatment in the fifth month. As a result, he was recorded as a lost-to-follow-up client.
The Gulu Forum for PLHIV, with support from International Community of Women living with HIV Eastern Africa ( ICWEA), was following up on lost-to-follow-up clients and found Kennedy’s name in the Health Unit record book as a lost-to-follow-up client since 2021. The team located Kennedy in a dilapidated grass-thatched house where his wife and five children had abandoned him. Kennedy had nothing to eat, and he was weak and very thin. He disclosed that he could only eat after two days when his old mother brought him food, which made it difficult for him to take his TB drugs on an empty stomach.
Kennedy was taken to a health facility for further investigation and treatment, where he received counselling and disclosed that he lacked food, experienced mistreatment from his family, and faced poverty and stigma and discrimination, which led him to stop taking his TB drugs.
Abonyo Pamela, the Coordinator of Gulu District Forum of People Living with HIV, linked up with Fourth Division Military Hospital for further treatment, and with support from ICWEA, the team transported Kennedy to the military facility. At the facility, Kennedy received good treatment and food supplement, and within one week, he gained an additional 5kgs, bringing his weight to 50kgs. Before discharge, he was given more food supplement to add to his diet. During his stay at the hospital, Kennedy met his fellow ex-combatants who guided him on how to access his benefits, which he had given up on.
“We extend our gratitude to ICWEA for supporting the communities and the specific needs of Kennedy,” said Abonyo Pamela, the Coordinator of Gulu District Forum of PLHIV.
The Gulu District Forum of PLHIV also thanked Fourth Division Military Hospital for being responsive and providing extra support to Kennedy even beyond treatment.
ICWEA appreciates TASO/the Global Fund for continued financial support, which has enabled us to impact communities.
