Twelve Year old with Tuberculosis

Saira came to our clinic after suffering a long time with pain in her neck, swollen lymph nodes, significant weight loss and a high fever. Our Save Kids Trust’s initial assessment was suspected Tuberculosis (TB). We immediately referred Saira to the Jaipur Government Hospital through our ‘Chronic Cases’ program. The diagnosis of TB was confirmed and Saira started Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT) free of charge. We will continue to be Saira’s local contact while she is going through ATT and beyond, as needed. 

Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments with Dr. Rinku and the Government Hospital center will ensure treatment completion and Saira's continued recovery. After two months of treatment, we are happy to report that Saira is showing significant improvements!

The Rest of the Story: Regarding Tuberculosis specifically, there's often fear and stigma associated with the disease. Lack of awareness about transmission and treatment, misconceptions about it being contagious or incurable, and social stigma are all impediments to getting treatment. In discussion with Saira’s mother, she put off visiting a medical clinic due to attributing her daughter's illness to supernatural or spiritual causes.  In many slum communities, this supernatural belief includes evil spirits, curses, and divine retribution. With these inclinations, slum dwellers often delay seeking medical attention, they misattribute symptoms or rely on ineffective traditional remedies, all while enduring negative stigma and social isolation.

Dr. Sharwan Saini, Founder of Save Kids Trust India, presented a Tuberculosis Awareness Seminar and talked about all of this. Symptoms, transmission, treatments, focusing on the ability to cure if it is caught in time. He told us that at the end of the seminar, an older man felt the need to share that he suffered from TB in the past and was cured. It was a surprise to the audience because they did not know this about him! Sharwan said it was a great way to punctuate the purpose of the event. He also mentioned the kids love having all these facts and examples. Making an impact with young people will positively impact their future and the next generations.  

 A few key takeaways from this story

1. Early detection and referral are vital for effective TB management.
2. The Jaipur Government will provide free ATT support ensuring accessible healthcare if the patient can access that care.
3. Collaboration between healthcare providers helps to ensure comprehensive care.  
4. Patient education and parental involvement are vital for treatment adherence.