Children most vulnerable group to contract TB – Expert

The Osun Programme Manager for Tuberculosis, Dr Deji Gbadamosi, says children are the most vulnerable group to contracting Tuberculosis (TB), due to their low immune system.

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He said this at a one-day tuberculosis training for selected journalists in Osogbo on Friday. The training was organised by Breakthrough Action Nigeria, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with Osun Ministry of Health.

Gbadamosi, who said that although the disease can affect all age groups, children are in the most vulnerable group.

He said, “Children who are staying with adults who have tuberculosis and those living with HIV, as well as those who are malnourished, are also at risk of getting infected.”

The programme manager listed the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis in children to include weight loss, persistent fever for more than two weeks or more, cough for two weeks or more.

According to him, “The challenges with childhood TB control include low awareness, poor health seeking behaviour and stigmatisation.

“Tuberculosis is treatable and preventable, stressing the importance of maintaining good hygiene and early medical attention.”

He said testing and treatment of tuberculosis are free in all designated state facilities and private hospitals.

He, therefore, urged the media to engage in regular sensitisation on child TB, write human angle stories to make people connect and take action nd also advocate for more funding for childhood TB control.

“TB could be prevented when people avoid crowded areas, maintain good cough etiquette, early detection and treatment.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, stressed the importance of media support in raising awareness about
tuberculosis, adding that early detection is crucial for effective treatment and cure.

Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Akeem Bello, Akintola said that the state government was doing everything possible to
make quality healthcare delivery available to the people.

Mrs Adebisi Adetunji, representing Breakthrough Action Nigeria, said the objective of the training was to enhance media understanding of TB control efforts.

Adetunji also said it was to increase media coverage of TB activities and strengthen collaboration between the media and the state’s TB control team.