Delta To End Stigmatistion Of Tuberculosis Patients

As part of measures to achieve tuberculosis–free status, the Delta State government has advocated for more community engagement to end stigmatisation which it believes will break down barriers.

The state commissioner for health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, made the call yesterday in Asaba in his message to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day.

 He called for collective efforts to control the spread of the disease in the state.

The theme for this year’s World TB Day is, “Echoing The Spirit Of Determination, Is Yes! We Can End TB” while the slogan of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP) is “No Gree for TB! Check am ooh!”.

It emphasised the power of collective action and recognizes the tireless efforts of health workers, communities, and civil society.

“On this auspicious celebration of the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day marked on every 24th day of March, I make this speech with a sense of urgency and hope. Our collective efforts can shape the future of TB control in Delta State, and it is our duty to take action as a people,” the commissioner said.

Onojaeme called for the scaling up of diagnosis, prevention, treatment and the wise allocation of resources to combat TB through the investment in innovations, as new TB vaccine is on the horizon.

The commissioner disclosed that in 2022 alone, only 4,949 TB cases (which was the highest number of TB cases ever diagnosed in Delta State) of the estimated 13,632 cases in Delta State were identified and treated and the remaining 8,683 cases unidentified.

He added that the state ranked the 11th highest TB burden state among the 36 States and FCT in Nigeria and expressed worry that every untreated TB patient can infect another 10-15 people in one year.

The commissioner said the state is playing its part by ensuring access to new diagnostics tools as it has procured 10 number color gene expert machines, treatment regimens and made cutting-edge technologies available hence treatment for TB is free in state government owned hospitals.

“Delta State continues to play her role in providing the enabling environment for the implementing partners in providing quality TB services such as integrated medical outreaches, funding for focused State supervision of DOTS facilities and training and re-training of the TB Team at all levels in the 25 LGAs as well as, ensuring access and opening of new diagnostic sites, support to logistics on shipment of sputum samples and treatment medicines,” the commissioner said.