Stories and Viewpoints

Voices of Viatris

By: Niki Kapsambelis

In 2014, while traveling in Zambia for work, Prashant experienced a sudden illness that would change his life – and deepen his understanding of resilience, access to medicine and the people he works alongside every day. 

Prashant, who works in Viatris’ commercial organization supporting access to HIV and infectious disease treatments, noticed that something was wrong as soon as he stepped off the plane. His balance faltered, his gait changed, and within hours, his symptoms worsened.  

By the next morning, he could no longer stand. Even buttoning his shirt became impossible.  

“I was very worried,” Prashant recalled. “And flying back would take almost a full day to reach India, where I live.”   

A Race Against Time 

Recognizing the urgency, Prashant’s manager and colleagues moved quickly to find help. At the same conference, they connected with Dr. Lloyd Mulenga, an infectious disease and internal medicine specialist.  

After examining Prashant, Dr. Mulenga suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid muscle weakness or paralysis if not treated quickly. 

Understanding the critical timing required, Dr. Mulenga located the antibodies needed to begin treatment, a decisive step that helped stabilize Prashant enough to return home.  

“You have to get it right, because if you miss it, the weakness progresses all the way up,” and can lead to paralysis or even death, Dr. Mulenga noted. “In resource-limited settings, it’s better that you treat as long as the drugs you are giving are not harmful. That saves lives.” 

Support at Every Step  

Following medical advice, Prashant’s colleagues accompanied him back to India, helping monitor his condition throughout the journey.  

“I wasn’t really in control of myself,” Prashant said. “My colleagues were making the decisions.”  

After a nine-day hospital stay, he began physical therapy. The early days were difficult; even picking up a glass of water felt out of reach. But Prashant stayed focused, leaning on his work to stay motivated. When he was too weak to type into his laptop, a colleague came to his home and typed on his behalf until he regained strength.  

His team continued to rally around him. He returned to the office using a cane, then progressed through regular exercise and rehabilitation. Today, he has regained much of his strength and resumed traveling for work.    

“I think he’s an extraordinary character. To go through something like that, it’s not easy – he has a very strong mind,” said his manager, Arvind.  

A Lasting Connection 

Prashant also stayed connected with Dr. Mulenga, whom he credits with saving his life. What began as a chance meeting grew into a lasting friendship.  

When Dr. Mulenga and his wife later traveled to India, Prashant and his wife made time to see them. The two men continue to meet at professional events.  

Surviving a serious health crisis also deepened Prashant’s commitment to patients.  

“I have always been passionate about providing access to life-saving medicines,” he said. “My own experiences have reinforced my dedication to impacting positive outcomes for the millions of patients we serve.”