Nigeria’s strategic focus on community engagement and innovation has been celebrated as pivotal in combating Tuberculosis (TB) in the country, highlighting Nigeria’s resilience and creativity in addressing TB, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ ALSO:First Lady Calls for Sustained Action to End TB in Nigeria
The National Coordinator of the African Coalition on TB, Mr. Ibrahim Umoru, who made this known during the Day 2 of Tuberculosis (TB) Conference in Abuja, Nigeria emphasized grassroots participation as central to the fight against TB.
Chairing the Community Session, he remarked, “TB is not just a medical issue but a community challenge. Effective prevention begins at the grassroots level, and our efforts during the pandemic have demonstrated Nigeria’s resilience.”
Innovative campaigns like ‘Coughing? Check and More’ were spotlighted as effective in dispelling myths and encouraging individuals to seek TB testing without fear of stigmatization.
Mr. Umoru also lauded the adaptation of TB diagnostic tools for COVID-19 testing, which enhanced case detection for both diseases.
“During the pandemic, while many countries struggled, Nigeria excelled. This resilience serves as a model for the global community,” he noted, adding that collaboration between the government, private sector, and media remains critical to sustaining progress.
The Deputy Project Director for Tuberculosis at Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Dr. Bolatito Ayedigba, stressed the importance of sustainable funding and legislative support. She urged a coordinated approach to closing funding gaps and improving TB management in Nigeria.
Highlighting the ‘Cough, Check Am O’ campaign, Dr. Ayedigba described it as a tool for raising awareness and distinguishing TB from COVID-19 symptoms. “This campaign encouraged people to seek testing without fear, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment”. She explained.
The national TB hotline, 3340, was praised for providing real-time counseling and support to the public. “The hotline guided individuals on next steps and ensured access to diagnostic and treatment services”. Dr. Ayedigba noted.
Despite these successes, both speakers identified stigmatization as a significant barrier to TB control. Mr. Umoru noted that societal judgment and self-stigmatization prevent many from seeking timely treatment.
Dr. Ayedigba echoed this concern, calling for legal frameworks to combat discrimination against TB patients. “Like the fight against HIV, we need laws to curb stigma and discrimination. Such policies will encourage more people to seek treatment”. She said.
The conference also underscored the critical role of media in addressing stigma and educating the public on TB’s curability. “The media must drive the message that TB is not a death sentence. With proper treatment, patients can fully recover”. Dr. Ayedigba added.
Bringing together stakeholders from government, private sector, and community organizations, the conference serve as a renewed commitment to improving TB diagnosis, treatment, and awareness in Nigeria.
Stakeholders pledged to leverage Nigeria’s innovative solutions and grassroots efforts to accelerate progress toward ending TB.
Comments are closed.