PAMOJA TB GROUP: UNITED TO DEFEAT TB
“In Unity there is strength; we can move mountains when we’re united and enjoy life –Without unity we are victims. Stay united.” (Bill Bailey)This is the mantra that PAMOJA TB Group based in Kangemi lives by.
Establishment
The Pamoja TB Group was founded by Steve Anguva and Eddy Chichi, both who were TB Patients on treatment at that time. They both had a difficult time managing TB due to financial difficulties as they were not holding any meaningful jobs. They decided to incorporate others in the same journey of TB treatment to ease the social, psychological and economic burden resulting from their situation. Chichi was on MDRTB treatment at the time.
The Group was registered in January 2010 as a self-help Group, which later was changed to a Community Based Organization (CBO) in 2013.
Membership
The group is made up of former and current TB patients, community health volunteers and honorary members. Currently, there are 25 active members who meet every last Friday of the month at the Kangemi Health Centre. The members consist of an executive committee which comprises of Chairperson, Secretary, Finance Officer and Trustee.
Partnerships & Achievements
The group has made associations and collaborations with a few stakeholders in the Fight against TB which has led to some of the significant accomplishments by Pamoja TB Group.
Some of the major milestones achieved by the team since its inception are:
- Community empowerment in the Fight Against TB.
- TB action with Japan-This led to the improvement in the TB rooms at Kangemi Health-care.
- Conducting a successful training supported by Partners like Results Japan.
- Working closely with Global Fund.
- Grassroots advocacy to sensitize communities on working with elected leaders to advocate for change in the community.
- Reduced stigma among TB patients.
- Collaborating with Stop TB partnership to empower TB patients to become advocates.
- Empowering TB patients to participate in TB policy formulation platforms.
Financial Support
The Pamoja TB group has expanded not only in numbers but development as well. They are in partnership with KERUSO which is a Sacco that guides and provides saving facilities to the group members. The members contribute a minimum of 300/- per month and can borrow loans from the Sacco at 12% interest per annum. The members also conduct table-banking where the members procure loans at 10% per annum.
Challenges
Despite achieving great milestones and also being the first TB support group in the constituency, they face some challenges. The main two problems include lack of funding for activities and lack of a group office/meeting space.
The Stop TB Partnership highly appreciates the commitment by Pamoja TB group in the #MULIKATBMALIZATB campaign.
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/sP2Qs6UR
By Mercy Karumba
