30-year-old, Kazeem Olorunsola is known in his community, Ifedore, Ondo State as a hardworking and cheerful phone seller and repairer, Kazeem’s small shop was not just a source of livelihood; it was a place where people gathered, shared stories and trusted him with their devices and friendship.
But in the middle of his busy life, Kazeem noticed changes in his health. What started as a persistent cough soon became weeks of weakness, night sweats, chest pain and severe weight loss. At first, he dismissed the symptoms as stress from work and long hours at his shop trying to make ends meet. Taking time off to seek medical attention felt impossible.
As the illness worsened, Kazeem struggled to stand for long hours at his shop. Customers began noticing his frail appearance. Some advised him to try herbal remedies, while others warned him it could be something serious. Despite taking different medications on his own, nothing improved.
Eventually, Kazeem visited Akande Traditional Hospitals, a health facility supported by Damien Foundation called Akande Traditional Hospital where he was tested for tuberculosis (TB). The diagnosis came as a shock, he had Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB), a more severe form of tuberculosis that does not respond to the standard TB treatment.
“I felt like my world had ended,” Kazeem recalled. “I knew people who had TB before, but hearing that mine was drug resistant frightened me. I thought about my family, my business, and whether I would survive.”
Beyond the fear of death, Kazeem also faced stigma. He says that some people avoided him after hearing about his condition and business slowed drastically because customers were afraid of getting infected.
However, hope came through the intervention of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN). IHVN is a Principal Recipient to the Global Fund to Fight HIV, TB and Malaria and works with sub-recipients including Damien Foundation, which implements the TB control, treatment and support program in Ondo State. Kazeem was enrolled in a General Hospital for proper care and treatment for Drug-Resistant TB.
The support went beyond medication. Health workers and counsellors provided him with emotional support, education about the disease, and encouragement to remain committed to taking his medications for six months. He also received regular follow-up care and guidance that helped him regain confidence and strength.
Community Volunteer at Damien Foundation, Christiana Odofin mentioned that one of the services provided to Kazeem is contact tracing at his home to screen family members for tuberculosis.
“The support I received changed everything for me,” he said. “They made me understand that DR-TB can be treated if you stay committed. They encouraged me when I felt weak and hopeless.”
The treatment journey was not easy. The medications came with side effects, and there were days Kazeem wanted to give up. With continuous support from healthcare workers and the Damien Foundation team, he persevered.
“During the period of taking my drugs, I was faced with a lot of side effects of taking the drugs such as excessive weakness and sweating and I was not happy about that, however, I was encouraged to not give up on taking my drugs because it will help me greatly”
Gradually, his health began to improve. The cough reduced, his appetite returned, and he slowly regained weight and energy. Today, Kazeem is back at his phone shop, reconnecting with customers and rebuilding his business and life.
More importantly, he has become an advocate for early testing and treatment of tuberculosis in his community. He now encourages others not to ignore persistent coughs or fear seeking help.
“TB is real, but it is treatable,” he said. “People should not hide or feel ashamed. Early diagnosis can save lives.”
Kazeem is one of the 3,744 individuals with drug-resistant tuberculosis provided with DR-TB treatment and care services from 2024 till March 2026 through financial support from the Global Fund to fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria implementation by IHVN and Damien Foundation.
