2 February 2009

For three and a half years Lata Mane has run Deep Griha’s DOTS program, the WHO-recommended treatment strategy for tuberculosis, along with serving as a counselor for individuals suffering from TB and/or HIV. As the DOTS coordinator, Lata directly observes all DOTS-enrolled patients taking their medicines three times a week for six to eight months, so as to reduce the risk that they will remain ill or, worse, aggravate the disease to a point of multi-drug resistance.
In reflecting on her role as a counselor for people with tuberculosis and HIV, Lata emphasizes the importance of providing these individuals with psychological and emotional support. Both diseases commonly subject those infected to great stigmatization from the surrounding community – an occurrence that may very well be more painful than the symptoms of the illness itself. By talking with patients about situations in which they have felt stigmatized or afraid and providing ideas on how to address such situations in the future, Lata helps to give her patients much needed comfort and support.
Lata also educates her patients on the nature of their disease. In a city where there is still much ignorance regarding tuberculosis and HIV, Lata seeks to communicate to her patients that having one of these illnesses does not mean that they are at the end of their life. “People feel more empowered after learning about these things,” Lata says, and she hopes that those with whom she works can take the information and encouragement she gives them and make their lives better as a result.

Category: Case Study

Print