World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a curable disease that remains a significant public health concern worldwide.
The theme of the World TB Day 2023 – Yes! We can end TB! – aims to inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action and multi-sectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic.
This year’s World TB Day is focused on urging countries to ramp up progress in the lead-up to the 2023 United Nations High-level Meeting on TB, which offers opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment.
WHO statistics show that every year, about 245,000 Nigerians die from the disease, and about 590,000 new cases occur.
The data further shows that about 140,000 of this figure are also HIV-positive.
As we mark this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, it is crucial to reflect on the progress made so far in the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria and examine ways to eliminate this deadly disease.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and kidneys. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as people living with HIV/AIDS, malnourished individuals, and those living in overcrowded and poorly ventilated areas.
In Nigeria, tuberculosis is a significant public health problem, with the country ranking first in Africa and sixth globally in terms of the burden of the disease.
This low detection and treatment rate is due to several factors, including poor funding for tuberculosis programmes, limited access to diagnostic tools, and inadequate knowledge among health workers and the general public.
To eliminate TB in Nigeria, we need a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of the disease and provides comprehensive care to those affected.
As a newspaper, we strongly urge that Nigeria needs to improve its TB detection and treatment. This is because only a quarter of TB cases are detected and treated in Nigeria, which is a significant barrier to TB elimination.
The country needs to invest in improving the quality and accessibility of TB diagnostic tools, including X-rays and laboratory tests, and expand the availability of TB treatment services to all parts of the country.
This can be achieved by increasing funding for TB programmes, partnering with private sector stakeholders, and improving the capacity of health workers to diagnose and treat TB.
Secondly, poverty, malnutrition, and poor living conditions are key drivers of TB in Nigeria. The government needs to address these social determinants by investing in programmes that provide access to clean water and sanitation, nutritious food, and safe and affordable housing. There is also the need to increase awareness about TB among vulnerable populations, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, and provide them with targeted care and support.
Accurate data on TB cases and outcomes are critical for tracking progress towards TB elimination. The country’s health authorities need to strengthen TB surveillance and monitoring systems in Nigeria to ensure that all TB cases are captured and monitored, and that treatment outcomes are accurately recorded. This will enable us to identify areas that need more attention and track the impact of interventions.
Furthermore, there is the need to empower communities to take ownership of TB elimination efforts. This can be achieved by increasing awareness about TB through community-based education and mobilisation campaigns, engaging community leaders, and involving affected communities in the design and implementation of TB programmes.
When communities are informed and engaged, they can play a crucial role in identifying and referring TB cases for treatment, supporting patients during treatment, and advocating for improved TB services.
Undoubtedly, TB remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, and urgent action is needed to eliminate the disease.
As another World TB Day passes, let all the stakeholders renew their commitment to ending TB in Nigeria and work together towards a future where TB is no longer a threat to the health and well-being of the people. By investing in TB detection and treatment, addressing social determinants of the disease, strengthening surveillance, the country can eliminate the TB scourge.
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