THE GOOD FIGHT

With slow seemingly sluggish strides,he approaches the entrance of Chandaria Medical Center in Dagoretti.Hands clasped behind his back.A slight slouch with occasional glances aimed at fellow patients as he squeezes his way near to the lobby area,yards away from doctor's doorway.He peels off his white cap that has formed the ensemble for his Olympic themed jacket.He gingerly slips his face mask,that dangles off his chin.There's an aura of exasperation.Dejavu even.This is 47 year old Joseph. A patient at the medical facility undertaking treatment for TB.

(On a side note,research has revealed that the most susceptible age bracket for infection of TB is between ages 15-44..

Food for thought I trust?..) 

Joseph acknowledges us in a low husky voice.He pats his baggy codry pants seemingly looking for something in his pockets.He eventually pulls out an old mobile device as the doctor gestures for him to enter the room.This is among a handful of routine visits he has had to make as he reconciles his thoughts with being rediagnosed with TB back in January this year.His first rodeo came in 2010 and it wasn't pretty.

Talk about tough luck!

"I simply had a long day and figured it was exhaustion.I subsequently, however, began feeling unwell...I was sweating and coughing uncontrobally but didnt read too much into it..." he narrates as he cracks his knuckles gazing at the concrete pathway.

According to a prevalence survey conducted in 2016,men accounted for more than twice the prevalence rate for women in Kenya with 809 for every 100,000 as compared to 359 for women.

Dr.Lorraine Mugambi of The Centre for Health Solutions (CHS),further echoes that men are hardly compelled to seek medical care for ailments and will likely brush it off until the situation is dire.

Indeed the wind doesn't break a tree that bends!!!.....

In retrospect,Joseph' situation could have been salvaged sooner had he sought help in time.He rues his days binge drinking with his buddies going as far as saying...

"We shared the glasses!" with a grimace.

As he contemplates his next chapter in life,he has become fully invested in his treatment.He admits that the tide has shifted in terms of medical care he received for the same in yester years.

"I take my 5 tablets and send the code!.

Can't afford to slip up!!!..." he chuckles as he extends his hands to reveal text messages but his phone battery is drained.

"There are days I almost forget... [to take the pills] (special emphasis on almost) but my doctor gives me a call inquiring about the same...

This programme has saved my life!!.."

The adoption of Digital Adherence Technology has eased the burden for patients and health workers as it has aided in monitoring and keeping track of patient uptake of drugs and reduce incidence of defaulting the same.

"Some of my peers thought that I had become infected with HIV/AIDS and shunned me accordingly!"....He exclaims while nodding his head in disbelief.

He narrates the stigma and decries the obliviousness associated with the signs and symptoms of TB infection and rallies for sensitization to quash the ignorance.His eyes expose a desperation for full curation but spares a thought for those yet to understand the severity of the disease and how crucial it is to get that head start.

He says that family has been a integral to his progress these past months as he journeys towards completion of a 6 month treatment plan come June.In a village where most are struggling with drug abuse and others bear the brush of economic hardship,there looms a low consciousness for danger but G.I. Joe chooses to fight with a Disney smile.