Teresa's Story 

Where are you from? 

Nairobi, Kenya 

What were you doing before Keheala? 

Community Health. For example, providing psychological counseling and HIV testing services in the community and coordinating support systems for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and TB. 

What attracted you to the position?

I have always had a passion for helping the community so I was very attracted to this position. I have been working with the community for 7 years before Keheala and have handled cases with patients regarding the stigma associated with TB. 

How long have you worked here? Can you tell more about your role and background? 

My background is in Community Health and development. I have a certificate in Psychological and Home-Based Counseling with multiple courses on behavior change. Since 2015, I have worked at Keheala where I follow up with patients, implement weekly work plans for Keheala staff, recruit new, passionate support sponsors and communicate our work through Keheala's social media channels. 

What skills do you bring to Keheala? 

I bring health education and communication to Keheala. I am also very skilled at interacting with people and providing assistance where needed and that's why I love to work with Keheala. 

What is the most meaningful part of your job? 

The opportunity to reduce TB within the community and ending TB stigma. 

Describe one of your most rewarding experiences with Keheala. 

I am most rewarded when I help and encourage TB patients until they finish their treatment. Also through helping patients through the stigma associated with TB. 

You mention helping patients through TB stigma. Can you tell more about what that's like?

I once came across a TB patient who was lying down on the floor with a tin filled with soil. He would spit in the tin every five minutes. I asked whether the patient had gone to hospital and one of the family members answered, “Yes, he is on treatment but he has his own cup, his own spoon and his own plate we don’t share with him and we can’t eat with him on the same plate it’s risky.

I had a talk with the family members about how TB is transmitted and TB management. I also got them to understand that their behavior was making this family member stigmatised and that instead they need to support this family member by showing him love and affection. In addition, TB is curable and that not everyone who has TB is HIV positive.

Where do you see Keheala in the future? 

In the future, I see Keheala reducing TB and TB related deaths. I would also love to see Keheala grow across Africa.