In 2023, while nursing her sister-in[1]law, Alice Musonda, 49 was exposed to tuberculosis (TB). At first, she dismissed the symptoms—rapid weight loss, night sweats, loss of appetite, and extreme weakness.

“Due to stigma, I pretended to be fine—but my health was deteriorating. My weight dropped to 50 from 70 kilograms. I suffered in silence. I confided in the DAPP TCTB [DAPP Total Control of TB] Field Officer in Matero, who immediately collected my sputum which confirmed I had TB. I was initiated on treatment immediately," she said.

The news spread quickly. Some of her clients stopped taking their clothes for tailoring to her shop.

"The project linked me to treatment, supported me with nutrition, and I regained strength. I was also introduced to a savings group where I borrowed K200 and started to sell groceries. The help I received didn’t just save my life—it gave me the tools to rebuild it,” she said.

To act against stigma, Alice brought her neighbors together and requested the DAPP Field Officers to conduct TB awareness.

"I completed my treatment in 6 months. My husband—once driven by fear and misinformation, now supports me. We have become community TB advocates,” she said