“It Was Like a Dream When I Heard Rats Found My TB”
Rahima, a 35-year-old mother of five, lives with her family in a rented house in Kolfe Keranyo, Addis Ababa. Originally from Wolqite in the Gurage Zone of Ethiopia, her life has been shaped by resilience and a deep commitment to her children’s future. When she fell ill shortly after giving birth, it marked the beginning of a long journey toward recovery, which would eventually involve an unexpected method of diagnosis.
“Three years ago, while I was pregnant with my youngest child, I began to feel sick. I had no appetite, felt weak all the time, and eventually developed a cough. A year after giving birth, I was finally diagnosed with TB. Before that, my relatives had taken me to a private hospital where they did an ultrasound and an X-ray. They said it was gastritis.
When I was told I had TB, I was scared. I didn’t know anything about the disease. But after I started the medication, I felt stronger again. I could walk properly and started regaining my strength.
My biggest concern was my family. I have five kids — four daughters and one son — aged between 12 and 3 years. I was especially worried about the younger ones. Fortunately, the two youngest were given TB preventive therapy. I also wore a mask at home to protect everyone. My family was frightened at first, but they were relieved that at least we had found the cause of my illness.
Even though I never fully stopped working, I could only spend limited time on the street selling small items like socks. I’m a petty trader, and on a good day, I stay out selling until 8:00 p.m. But when it rains, I have to stay home. My daughters help with chores, and sometimes I wait for the older ones to come back from school before heading out. Life is very tough, especially without a proper home. My husband lost his shop when I got sick. Now, he works when he can — sweeping streets or doing other labor jobs. We also get a little support from a relative who helps with school expenses.
I didn’t talk to many people about my diagnosis. TB still carries a lot of stigma and people often associate it with HIV. But I do tell people in Addis to get tested if they notice the symptoms and if they are positive, to complete the full course of treatment.
It’s been a year since I finished my medication. I had some gastric discomfort while taking the pills, but I kept going. What shocked me recently was hearing that it was rats who helped diagnose my TB. It was like a dream. I had no idea that was even possible. I’m surprised and grateful.
I’ll definitely tell my family and friends this story. I’m eager to share it. To the team at APOPO and the rats who found my TB, I just want to say thank you. I am very grateful.
My dream now is simple. I want my kids to have a better life and a better education. And for everyone else, I say: pay attention to your health. TB can be treated, but only if you know you have it.”
