“I Thought TB Was a Curse”: Kaio’s Story of Strength, Recovery, and Hope in Tuvalu

March 24, 2026

Authors

Praneel Maharaj

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist - UNDP

Mere Delai

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Health Team Project Analyst

Ashna Kumar

Communications Associate, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji

When 40‑year‑old Kaio Tiira Taula speaks about his journey with tuberculosis (TB), he does so with a calm honesty that comes only from surviving something deeply life‑altering.

A single father of eight and the eldest of four brothers, Kaio has spent much of his life caring for others. Also a proud member of Tuvalu’s LGBTQIA+ community through the Akanda Alliance, but nothing prepared him for the moment he had to confront his own illness.

“The mentality that I had was TB is a disgusting disease that is incurable. As a man of many hats, I felt ashamed of myself. I thought people would distance themselves from me if they knew,” Kaio said.

His fear led him into denial. Although he was given medication, he admits, “I would only drink my medications when my DOT worker was present. If she dropped them off and left, I would not drink them at all.”

Kaio’s life was full – youth representative, Sunday School teacher, Head of Department at work – but the weight of stigma made him withdraw.

“I couldn’t work, nor could I perform as I used to. I took leave and due to my denial, it took longer for me to get back to work. My family started to distance themselves, and I had to do the same with my children to recover. It was painful.”

A Turning Point: “I Blamed Myself. That Changed Everything.”

Everything shifted when Kaio’s son, then a Form 6 student, was also diagnosed with TB.

“A sudden turn of events happened that turned the table around. My son was also diagnosed with TB. I totally blamed myself. From then on, we continued treatment together,” Kaio said.

Father and son completed treatment side by side, supported by Tuvalu’s CD Unit and dedicated health workers.

“The nurse and the whole team helped us. Sometimes even in the middle of the night, I would send my DOT worker questions. They answered everything beautifully. They made it possible to have fresh fruits and food items to supplement my body.”

Tuvalu’s TB Reality: Small Nation, Big Challenges

Kaio’s story is a reflection of a wider challenge in Tuvalu. The nation faces:

TB incidence: 250.94 per 100,000 population
TB mortality: 10.5 per 100,000
Number of patients with of all forms of TB notified (new + relapse cases): 24
Treatment success rate: 85%
Rapid diagnostic testing coverage: 83%

These numbers show both progress and gaps, especially the need for expanded contact tracing, prevention, and ongoing community engagement.

UNDP’s Role: Strengthening Health Systems and Reaching Communities

UNDP, through our Health Programme Portfolio, continues to support Tuvalu and the Pacific region in strengthening health systems, improving access to essential health services, and supporting national TB responses by providing end‑to‑end operational, technical, and procurement support through the Global Fund grant.

This support enables Tuvalu’s Ministry of Health to extend essential health services across the outer islands through community outreach, ensuring that TB screening, contact tracing, and awareness programmes reach even the most remote and hard to reach communities. In parallel, UNDP has procured critical diagnostic equipment, including the digital X‑ray machine equipped with AI‑assisted reading capabilities and GeneXpert systems with all necessary cartridges and supplies, transforming Tuvalu’s diagnostic capacity and enabling faster, more accurate detection of TB.

It also ensures the continuous availability of lifesaving TB medicines and related commodities, preventing stockouts and safeguarding uninterrupted treatment for all patients. In addition, the grant supports human resources, including the Project Coordinator, ensuring strong programme management, coordination, and reporting – key pillars for sustained progress.

Kaio’s Message to All: “TB Is Curable—Love Your Family Enough to Get Tested”

Having survived the disease, Kaio is determined to advocate for others.

“TB is curable. If you love your family, then start by getting to know your status. Get tested.”

His story is not just one of illness and recovery – it is one of courage, vulnerability, and finding strength through community support.

A Call to Action: Together, Let’s End TB in Tuvalu

Kaio’s experience reminds us that TB does not only affect lungs – it affects families, livelihoods, and entire communities. Ending TB requires continued support for health workers, increased awareness and testing, and compassion for those experiencing stigma or fear.

Tuvalu has the resilience, courage, and community spirit to eliminate TB but it will take all of us to fight and end the stigma around TB.

For more information, please contact: