Moses Koairi, who was once a TB patient, now works as a Treatment Supporter officer at World Vision and shares his experience on how he got through battling the illness.
Koairi who comes from Kikori district in Gulf province has been working with United Church Health services in most of the rural areas for thirty years.
Speaking during the recent World TB Day that was held at Port Moresby General Hospital, Koairi shared his experiences for someone who lived and overcame TB.
“For six years I took up the office as a Regional Health Secretary at the United Church Health Service and then for three years I served as a Regional Team Programme Coordinator.”
“In 2013 I resigned because I lost my wife who worked as a nursing officer and later joined Gulf Provincial Government where I served as a provincial member representing all the churches in the province.”
It was in 2020 that Koairi left the province to go live in Port Moresby where he developed the sickness. Based upon sharing his journey as a survivor of TB, he said that whilst living in Moresby, he fell very sick and it was then that his children rushed him to the hospital at Port Moresby General Hospital. After going through all the tests, the father of four was then diagnosed with TB.
“After going through all the test they realized that my left lung was filled with fluid. I was admitted to Ward 3A where I was under medication. From there, I was discharged and taken to the JBK TB Clinic where I continue taking my medication.”
“TB as we see today can be cured, but would only be cured not only by taking medication but by understanding that you can be cured. Believe in yourself because it starts within you.”
After successfully completing his medication, Koairi has now been cured of the sickness and is a living testimony to those who are fighting the same battle as he did.
“I was asked if I was willing to help as a volunteer by World Vision to help assist in the JBK clinic. I accepted so that I can help those who have TB.”
“I always talk to patients encouraging them to always be faithful with their medication. I even talk to their guardians telling them that they must love and be kind hearted to the very person that they are taking care of to help them get better.”