A PATIENT'S STORY FROM IRAN

Project Coordinator in Iran Estelle Thomas tells the story of 40-year-old Mohammad, a patient visiting the Médecins Sans Frontières clinic in South Tehran for the first time.

“When he was just 15, Mohammed left his family to find work in Tehran. Failing to find a job and with no relatives in the city to help him, he soon fell into using drugs. He suffers from frequent hallucinations as a result of the drugs has been sleeping in the city’s parks, which is where he met Médecins Sans Frontières’ mobile team.

“After a consultation with Dr Aida and counselling from health educator Mariam, Mohammad has been tested for infectious diseases including HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and tuberculosis. Patients who test positive for hepatitis C can receive treatment and support at the clinic, while those who test positive for HIV or tuberculosis are referred to national treatment programs.

“Mohammad’s test result for hepatitis C test has recorded as positive, so he has met again with Dr Aida and Mariam, who have explained that the disease can be cured with proper treatment and that he will be supported by Médecins Sans Frontières’ doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and community workers to take his hepatitis C treatment correctly and to help with the hallucinations. He has been introduced to Neda, a community worker, who will keep in close contact with him to remind him about his appointments at the clinic and support him through the course of treatment.”