Meet 10 Treatment Supporters and Patients in Lesotho

In Lesotho, where communities are far from clinics, multi-drug tuberculosis (MDR-TB) doesn't just threaten health. It threatens livelihoods, families, and futures. That's why Partners In Health (PIH) Lesotho is redefining care for those with tuberculosis, the world's deadliest infectious disease.

Across all PIH care delivery sites, accompaniment is a defining characteristic of our work. It means being there, together, for as long as it takes. In Lesotho, treatment supporters accompany patients to monthly clinic visits, record progress and symptoms, prepare meals, and more. These supporters are more than sympathetic neighbors or relatives; they are carefully selected, trained, and woven into PIH's professional care network.

Once identified, treatment supporters undergo mandatory training at PIH-supported Botšabelo Hospital's halfway home, a 14-bed facility where stable patients receive care. The training covers MDR-TB basics, the importance of strict medication adherence, infection control, nutrition, psychosocial care, and meticulous record-keeping. They learn how to recognize side effects and when to immediately alert the community health team at the hospital. Equipped with this knowledge, treatment supporters return as frontline caregivers, not just helpers.

Below, are ten short stories of healing, strength, and skilled support from treatment supporters and patients.

Qacha Qabane, 50, once a farmer and now paralyzed from the waist down by MDR-TB, relies on his 24-year-old niece, Selloane Qabane. Trained at the halfway home, she learned to monitor medication timing, emotional shifts, and side effects. Each morning and evening, she administers medicine, records reactions, and ensures he stays connected to care. "Caring for him teaches me patience, hope, and the power of presence; every small act of support becomes a bridge and a reminder of our bond," reflects Selloane.

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'Matumelo Seiso, 37, fearing she would die and leave her children without a mother, now receives steadfast care from 'Mamolantoa Letlisa, 63. At the halfway home, Letlisa found her purpose in supporting patients: "I find purpose in seeing my support bring hope and strength to someone fighting MDR-TB. I find joy in being the shoulder my patient can lean on through the hardest days."

Treatment supporter trainees Mamonyane Ramotlou and Mamolantoa Letlisa sit together at the halfway house. Photo by Zack DeClerck / PIH

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'Maseithati Kosi, 52, who contracted MDR-TB after caring for her late husband, is supported by 'Mapotlaki Teele, 64. At the halfway home, Teele learned the critical balance of medication oversight and nutritional support. With PIH providing food and transport, she ensures Kosi never skips a dose or misses a check-up. "Walking this journey with her has shown me that true care goes beyond medicine. It is about holding someone's hand through every challenge and celebrating each small victory," says Teele.

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Lekhotla Nkonyana, a 41-year-old mason, lost his ability to work after falling ill with MDR-TB. His treatment supporter, Mokoatsi Mabusela, 48, learned how to detect and report side effects, keeping treatment on track. Seeing Nkonyana tending livestock again, Mabusela says: "Knowing that my care helps him reclaim his life makes every challenge worthwhile. Being there for him is more than support; it is witnessing hope in action."

Registered nurse Thuso Ntsapi (right) helps Mokoatsi Mabusela, a treatment supporter, collect food packages for Lekhotla Mkonyana at PIH-supported Nkau Health Center in Lesotho. Photo by Joshua Berson for PIH

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Ts'eliso Motsokonyane, 68, is battling MDR-TB. He once faced food shortages before receiving PIH's social and medical support. His treatment supporter, 'Malumiso Sehlabo, 55, pairs care with precise vigilance, quickly reporting concerning symptoms and ensuring setbacks don't derail treatment. "The smile of [Ts'eliso] when he started regaining his health [is] my greatest reward. My heart is full when I see a spark of hope return to his eyes," reflects Sehlabo.

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Mots'elisi Malefane, 25, whose dream of earning a university degree was shattered by MDR-TB, is supported by 'Malerato Sejojo, 58. Through psychosocial training, Sejojo became both a healer and encourager. "Sometimes healing comes from words, reminding the patient that they are not alone," says Sejojo.

Left to right: Dr. Ryan Meili, visiting doctor and PIH Canada board member, with treatment supporter Malerato Sejojo and MDR-TB patient Mots'elisi Malefane at Malefane's home in Qacha's Nek, Lesotho. Photo by Joshua Berson for PIH

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Sarafina Makashane, 31, and her treatment supporter, Litlhare Matlole, navigate MDR-TB relapses together. Matlole's training helps her detect symptoms early and offer steady support. Matlole explains: "What makes me proud is knowing that my small role can save someone's life. I am fulfilled when my presence gives my patient the courage to keep fighting."________________________________________________________________________________

For Kaizer Mahapa, 42, the constant care of Masingoaneng Kolosoa bridges the gap between home responsibilities and caregiving. Trained to log every symptom and report immediately, she reflects on her role: "Being a treatment supporter means turning fear into courage and sickness into recovery. For me, being a treatment supporter is about giving love, not just administering medicine."

Nurse Mpho Tsibela supplies Masingoaneng Kolosoa, a treatment supporter, with three months worth of medication for Kaizer Mahapa. Photo by Caitlin Kleiboer / PIH

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Khamokha Khamokha, 56, an ex-miner who worked in a gold mine in South Africa for 29 years, learned in February 2023 that he had MDR-TB. Today, he makes a living through subsistence farming while navigating the challenges of treatment. Alongside him is his treatment supporter, 'Makhauhelo Mapulane, whose training helps her detect signs of relapse and provide both comfort and strength. "The bond I build with my patient gives me strength, as much as I give them strength. The bond I share with my patient is more than care; it is family," says Mapulane.

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Kaemane Makhetha, 22, an IT student, became a treatment supporter for his neighbor and friend, Sefonthoane Mohohla, 26. At the halfway home, he learned the intricacies of MDR-TB treatment: "I only knew about susceptible TB. I didn't know there were so many types of pills, specific times, and the exact number of pills required." Now, every morning before class, he ensures Mohohla takes his medication and that any issues are logged and reported. "Every dose I witness taken is a step closer to healing, and that gives me joy. Every moment I sit with him reminds me that healing starts with companionship," explains Makhetha.

Everyday before attending his classes, Kaemane Makhetha (left) ensures Sefonthoane Mohohla takes his tuberculosis medication as described. Photo by Justice Kalebe / PIH

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Between 2021 and 2024, PIH Lesotho worked with 483 treatment supporters, enabling hundreds of patients to stay on track through their entire treatment journeys.

Treatment Supporters

Read more about how treatment supporters are selected, what their responsibilities are, and why they're key to tuberculosis care.

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