#InternationalWomensDay

Achieving recovery from TB can be a long process, the treatment period could be tainted by stigma, discrimination and declined mental health conditions. Paran works to support DR-TB (drug-resistant TB) patients through recovery and to raise awareness on TB.

“My treatment for DR-TB took 20 months. It was stressful, scary, and at times, lonely. I was very grateful to have found a peer support organization. My peers supported me when I was going through the treatment and I felt more hopeful.

After I recovered fully, I decided to join PETA (a patient organization in Jakarta). We work, primarily, to support DR-TB patients to stay in their treatment until they achieve recovery. We also advocate to the family of patient to avoid stigma and discrimination. Currently, I am supporting DR-TB patients in three DR-TB referral hospitals and two primary health centres. In 2019, together with my young colleagues, I established a coalition, Indonesia Muda untuk Tuberkulosis (IMUT), with the aim to raise TB awareness among young people. 

My work is very challenging, however, when a patient is finally declared free from TB, my happiness is beyond words.

I also want to bring this important issue to the international level. I am selected as the Vice Chair of WHO SEARO’s Green Light Committee (GLC) for 2019 - 2021. My role is, among others, to advocate for more community and patient groups engagement in TB programme, including in other countries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I continue to support patients, especially when services are disrupted.

My advocacy work for TB has one aim: to keep the patient as the center of our discussions and work.”