Tackling MDR-TB in the heart of Abidjan The area outside the Tuberculosis Treatment Center in Koumassi, one of the poorest and most densely populated neighborhoods in Abidjan, has been transformed into a waiting room. Every morning at 6:30 A.M. or so, well before the other patients, those with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, or MDR-TB, start showing up. Many feel tired, weak and wear a white mask, as they come to get medication. Maxime Djangone Bi is a social worker, trained and working as part of the Ministry of Health's National Anti-Tuberculosis Plan. He comes to Koumassi once a week. “My role is to get everyone to understand that this disease is serious and that treatment is vital — for them and for their family and friends — and that they must follow strict hygiene practices." On this particular morning, in front of the entire group, he insists that patients follow their treatment plan and take each prescribed drug, even if the treatment plan seems long and difficult.