Photo courtesy of Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme
When Raphael James began coughing uncontrollably in 2016, accompanied by night sweats and a drastic weight loss, he believed he had fallen victim to witchcraft. Seeking a cure, his first thought was to consult a witch doctor.
“My family discouraged me and instead, they took me to the hospital where I was treated,” recalled the 44-year-old. “In my mind, it was witchcraft at play.”
At the hospital, laboratory tests revealed he had tuberculosis (TB). James followed his treatment for four months and fully recovered. However, in 2024, the disease resurfaced — but this time, he immediately recognised the symptoms and sought medical care. James observed that the support he got from his family played a crucial role in his healing journey.
TB is a highly infectious disease, primarily affecting the lungs. Some of its signs and symptoms include loss of appetite and weight, tiredness and night sweats.
Today, James stands tall dismissing myths and misconceptions of witchcraft surrounding TB in Ndalama village, Senior Chief Chitera in Chiradzulu. As a model, he advises people to seek medical help when they experience signs and symptoms of the disease, noting that early detection saves lives.
Progress in combating TB
Health authorities in Chiradzulu say early diagnosis has been vital to the district’s progress in managing TB. According to Chiradzulu District Health Office (DHO), the district has achieved an 82 percent treatment success rate in 2024.
District TB Officer, Patrick Chikuni, told MBC Digital that from January to December 2024, they recorded 323 cases lower than the 396 target set by the National TB and Leprosy Eradication Programme in that year.
Chikuni said his office with assistance from Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) has been conducting mass TB screening in communities and that medics from Zomba and Blantyre DHOs have also been helping in the exercise using mobile vans.
“These interventions have helped us a lot in early detections and instant commencement of treatment which takes four months. For two-time patients like James, the treatment period is increased to six months,” he said, adding that contact-tracing is also helping to control further spread of the disease.
According to Chikuni, men aged between 25 and 44 are the most affected as compared to women of the same age group.
He further said that they do contact-tracing to control the spread of the disease.
Despite such progress rendered in managing the disease in the district, mobility challenges and frequent malfunctioning of x-ray machines are hindering efforts of fully combating the ailment, said Chikuni.
Health expert, Maziko Matemba hailed the DHO’s efforts, saying they will help to reduce TB infections and prevent related deaths.
He further described the ongoing M72 TB vaccine clinical trial as cost-effective observing that vaccination, like in under -five children, has always been an effective measure of preventing infections.
Clinical vaccine trial
The TB vaccine trial is underway in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Indonesia and the Vietnam until 2029.
In Malawi, the clinical trial of the vaccine is conducted by Malawi Liverpool Welcome Programme, and if approved by Government, it would protect adolescents, adults and those suffering from multi- drug resistant TB.
By Chrissie Mainjeni, Chiradzulu
