The phrase "were afflicted with" denotes a negative situation or condition that someone is experiencing. To express the opposite meaning, we can use antonyms like "were blessed with," "were fortunate to have," or "were favored by." These words convey a positive connotation that highlights good fortune, prosperity, or happiness. Interestingly, sometimes the opposite meaning of "afflicted with" can be expressed by changing the context and using words such as "were cured of," "overcame," or "recovered from." Using these antonyms can help us convey a contrasting message that emphasizes hope, resilience, and progress.