My Journey Through TB and the Role of Detection Rats

Zerihun is a 42-year-old father from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After losing his wife three years ago, he became the sole provider for his two children. Life hasn’t been easy, but Zerihun is determined to see his children educated and healthy. His journey with TB — not once, but twice — has taught him hard lessons, deepened his resilience, and recently brought him face to face with something he never anticipated.

“I had TB for the first time nine years ago. Back then, I didn’t go to the clinic right away. I tried home remedies, hoping I’d get better. It took a long time to get diagnosed and treated. But I recovered, and life went on. Then about a year ago, the symptoms came back. Because I knew what it was, I went to the clinic immediately. I didn’t want to risk anything, especially with my kids depending on me.

This time, I was better prepared. I wore masks at home, on the bus, and at work. I separated my dishes and my sleeping space, even though we all live in one room. I was very worried about my children, but thankfully, they showed no signs of illness. The health officer said to bring them in if they had any symptoms.

I work in furniture sales near Piassa and do manual jobs when I can. I live in Saris, so the bus ride can take up to 90 minutes depending on traffic. I’ve done this job for over four years now. Before that, I worked as a conductor and drove a small taxi at night. That schedule was too risky after my wife passed away.

She was diagnosed with liver disease, then HIV, and started treatment. But the side effects were too much for her. I don’t believe the diagnosis was correct, even though I’ve been tested multiple times and am HIV negative. My kids have never been tested. That’s something that still bothers me.

When I was sick the first time, I wasn’t working. My wife and friends helped me out. This time, I tried to keep going. I took one week off, and my friends brought me milk and eggs. I gained six kilos in just a month after losing eight. But after two weeks, I had to get back to work. I had no other choice.

I try to raise awareness about TB. In buses, I see people sneezing and coughing without protection. I tell them to wear masks, and sometimes we argue. Many people don’t take it seriously. Still, I share my story so they might learn from it.

Today, I learned something I never knew before. The TB I had this second time was diagnosed with the help of rats. I’d never heard of APOPO or the HeroRats before — I thought my sample was tested in a regular lab. It’s amazing. I’m grateful to the staff and the rats for saving my life.”