“I remain thankful to PIH. Had it not been for PIH, I’m sure by now, I wouldn’t be here having this interview with you,” reflects Annie Ade Nyangbeh, a Tuberculosis (TB) survivor.
Annie, a 32-year-old single mother residing in River Gee County, Liberia, faced a serious health challenge. Initially, she experienced what she thought were symptoms of a common cold, but her condition worsened. “I had sleepless nights, lost my appetite, and was coughing continuously,” she recalls. Recognizing that her usual health was fading, she knew something was seriously wrong when she couldn’t enjoy her favorite meals anymore.
Desperate for relief, Annie turned to various pharmacies, purchasing numerous medications based on pharmacists’ prescriptions, but her condition showed no signs of improvement. It wasn’t until she learned about the comprehensive health services available at the PIH Liberia-supported James Jenkins Dossen (JJD) Memorial Hospital in Harper City that she decided to seek help there.
On January 8, 2025, Annie received a life-changing diagnosis: pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The news was heavy, and the thought of a six-month treatment regimen filled her with worry, not only for herself but also for the well-being of her young daughter. “It was tough for me, but I had no option because I wanted to be cured,” she admits.
Today, Annie feels significantly better. “I’m now eating more than I used to eat. For the past months, I haven’t had any sleepless nights, so I’m much better than before,” she shares.
Annie attributes much of her improved circumstances to the social support she received from Partners In Health (PIH). While at JJD Memorial Hospital, she was enrolled in a social support program where she received essential supplies: a bag of rice, a gallon of cooking oil, a carton of sardines, a bag of beans, and a monthly transportation allowance to help her reach her medical appointments. “I have been so relaxed throughout my recovery period,” Annie says.
She expresses profound gratitude: “PIH has done so much good for me. They provided me with food and transported me to get my medication.”
Annie Ade Nyangbeh, a 30-year-old, was diagnosed with pulmonary TB on January 8, 2025, and received treatment at the PIH-supported James Jenkins Dossen Memorial Hospital in Harper, Maryland County. Photo by Ansumana O. Sesay /PIH
The social support programs offered by Partners In Health serve to assist patients from low-income families who struggle to afford medications and basic necessities during lengthy treatments. Annie’s experience is a testament to the impact of such initiatives, demonstrating how addressing the holistic needs of patients in vulnerable communities is the secret sauce to achieving positive health outcomes. She is incredibly grateful for the support that has helped her during a challenging time, enabling her to focus on her recovery and her daughter’s future.
