Tuberculosis remains a significant burden for many, especially vulnerable communities. Each tuberculosis patient has their own story. The fight against tuberculosis is not only a battle against the disease itself but also a struggle against economic hardship, loss of livelihood, and societal stigma.

Amid these challenges, CSET members have become a steadfast source of support, helping patients stay committed to their treatment journey. They provide not only financial and administrative assistance but also hope, working to break down stigma and create opportunities for patients to move toward a healthier life.

As World Tuberculosis Day (March 24) approaches, join SCDI in listening to stories of resilience, where CSET members stand by patients in their journey to overcome tuberculosis.

Story of Mr. Cuong – TB survivor in Hai Phong

"When I found out I had TB, I was terrified that the medication would interfere with my Methadone treatment. Two diseases, two treatment regimens—I honestly didn’t know if I could handle it."

For people like Mr. Cuong, who are undergoing Methadone treatment, fighting TB is an uphill battle. Symptoms resembling withdrawal syndrome from combining two treatment regimens, along with the harsh side effects of TB medication during the intensive phase, made him want to give up multiple times.

However, with the support of Ms. Hang, a CSET member experienced in assisting substance users, his journey became more manageable. Fully understanding his challenges, Hang worked closely with Methadone clinic doctors to adjust the treatment plans and ease the side effects.

Slowly but surely, Mr. Cuong’s health improved, and the lively chatter returned to his family’s roadside tea stall. Smiling with hope, he shared, "No illness lasts forever as long as you hold onto hope."

Story of Mr. Duc – TB survivor in Nghe An

"Thanks to the encouragement and care I received, I stayed positive and focused on my treatment."

Misconceptions and stigma around TB often isolate patients, and Mr. Duc was no exception. He distanced himself from his community, as a result of the whispers and wary glances that left him feeling disheartened.

Through a connection at a treatment center, Mr. Duc met Ms. Hoai, a CSET member in Vinh City, who became his steadfast companion. Ms. Hoai not only motivated Mr. Duc to stick to his treatment but also organized community meetings to spread awareness about TB and reduce stigma. Her efforts helped Mr. Duc feel less alone and created a supportive environment where TB patients could seek care without judgment or shame.

The support of CSET members like Ms. Hoai has become a great source of motivation, helping Mr. Đuc and other tuberculosis patients stay strong, overcome the solid walls of self-stigma and shame, and create a welcoming environment where everyone can access healthcare.

Story of Ninh – TB survivor in Gia Lai

"Before, I never thought health insurance was that important. It wasn’t until I got sick that I realized having insurance gave me a chance to live and stay healthy."

Diagnosed with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis while having no health insurance, facing financial difficulties, having to undergo treatment in Gia Lai, and working in Da Nang—all these challenges seemed to knock Ninh, a 22-year-old girl, to the ground. Even though the treatment costs were subsidized, the travel expenses between the two cities added more financial burden. On top of that, her reduced ability to work created even more pressure during treatment. Tuberculosis didn’t just take a toll on her health—it also drained Ninh’s hope.

Upon learning about Ninh, SCDI connected her with CSET in the local area to quickly help her purchase health insurance. CSET rallied resources from various sources to provide support for nutrition, travel expenses from Da Nang to Gia Lai for her follow-up appointments and medication, ensuring she had the strength and capacity to find a suitable job once her health improved. Ninh shared excitedly, "I can work again, support myself, and help my parents back home."

Providing health insurance support is one of CSET’s strategies to increase patients' access to public welfare programs. Only by accessing sustainable healthcare services available where they need them can patients reduce financial burdens and avoid falling into a cycle of poverty caused by illness.

Story of CSET members in Ho Chi Minh City

"Because each person's recovery is our happiness"

For those with decades of experience supporting the community, like Mrs. Thúy and Mr. Phúc, or younger individuals like Vy and Quý, receiving a call from a tuberculosis patient reporting progress in their health or that they are about to complete treatment is an indescribable happiness.

“When families whose parents have completed treatment, can go back to work, and their children can return to school, we are very happy. Because we try to support them, and they strive to comply, not just to recover, but so their children can have a better life,” says Mrs. Thúy.

“The most important thing is to listen to the needs that require support during the patient’s medical care and treatment. Each person has different desires, and CSET is a companion to create the best supportive environment for each individual,” says Vy.

Starting with healthcare, the CSET network continues to provide comprehensive support where possible, including nutritional supplementation, assistance with personal identification documents and public benefits, job referrals for adults, and promoting education for children. This aims to create a recovery and sustainable development environment for every patient.

Those stories of overcoming tuberculosis are clear evidence of the power of community support and the practical solutions offered by the CSET network. CSET's support plays an important role in helping patients access quality treatment services, bringing Vietnam closer to the goal of ending tuberculosis by 2035.