Fighting TB with faith and resilience
During TB Awareness Month, Francina China’s journey reminds us that TB is not the end. With faith, resilience, and the right support, she overcame the disease and continues to thrive.
March is TB Awareness Month. Boksburg Advertiser spoke to a local TB survivor, who shared her story about her battle against the disease.
Francina China (63), of Boksburg West, hopes that her story will inspire hope and resilience, as she is living proof that even the toughest battles can be won with determination, faith and the right support.
Francina was diagnosed with TB in 2017 after she woke up feeling weak, shivering uncontrollably and making frequent trips to the toilet.
Battling to get out of bed that morning, she forced herself to walk to a nearby clinic, where they found that her temperature was too high. She weighed only 34kg at the time.
“My mind felt clouded; so much so that I couldn’t even recognise my family. When they saw what state I was in, a family member stepped in to care for me.”
For six months Francina followed her TB treatment diligently. The early days following her diagnosis were challenging as Francina was constantly exhausted and unable to walk, but she gradually regained her strength.
“I started picking up weight in the second month and refused to let fear consume me. Instead, I placed my faith in God and committed myself to recovery.”
Francina said unlike many TB patients, she did not experience stigma.
Only her family knew about her diagnosis and they offered support.
“People often think negatively about TB patients. Some even consider suicide because of the way they’re treated. We need to educate people and provide better support,” she said.
Also Read: World Tuberculosis Day: TB and children
Having survived both TB and Hepatitis B, an infection she contracted at 24 while working at a national laboratory, Francina has learned the value of perseverance.
She encourages others battling with the infection to take charge of their health.
“Don’t be ignorant. Take responsibility. Drink your tablets and follow through with your treatment,” she advised.
Francina, who is also living with HIV, emphasised the importance of sticking to your treatment schedule and prioritising your wellbeing.
She is now working on writing a book about her journey and hopes that through her words she will inspire and empower others.
Her story, she said, is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not define a person; it’s how you choose to face the challenge that matters most.
Also Read: Fight TB with early detection
