Guilhermina Manuel, just 17 years old, had her studies interrupted by tuberculosis, which had been affecting her for four years. Between improvements and relapses, she could never get a correct diagnosis, despite numerous visits to the health unit.
In the last six months, Guilhermina has found the right path to a cure. It all started when her mother attended a talk in the community, where she told the activist that her daughter was showing symptoms similar to those reported in the session. The activist then paid a visit to her home.
“For four years, my mother took me to different hospitals and we never got the right diagnosis. The turning point was when the activist from the Local TB Response project came to my house. From the reports he heard, he was convinced that I had TB and became more interested in my case. When I received confirmation of the diagnosis, I almost fell into depression. I was isolated and very pensive, but the activist's advice and persistence brought back my self-esteem,” she said tearfully.
“The presence and support of the activist and my mother were crucial, as they helped to control the taking of the pills and to ensure the supply whenever it was close to running out. With this illness, I learned to demystify the taboos that people have about tuberculosis. Although it requires certain specific precautions to avoid contaminating others, it is a disease like any other, in which the patient must adhere to and carefully follow the treatment.”
Today, Guilhermina has regained her smile and continues on her way as normal. She goes back to school and plays with her friends, who have always supported her.