… Says Nigeria still ranks highest with infection in Africa
By: Nlewedum Emmanuel
The National Tuberculosis, Burili and Leprosy Control Programme, (NTBLCP) has called for improved awareness campaign against tuberculosis in Nigeria.
NTBLCP Deputy National Coordinator, Bolatito Aiyenigba made the call at a one day media orientation on tuberculosis organized in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, USAID and Breakthrough Action in Port Harcourt.
Aiyenigba who hinted that the training was put in place to synergize with the media in the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria, said the government and the society are giving less attention to the fight against tuberculosis adding that media focus in the country has been diverted to Covid-19.
She said the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected the country’s fight against tuberculosis as good number people with TB symptoms are instead directed to go for COVID-19 test.
Furthermore, she noted that statistics has shown that Nigeria currently ranks as the highest African country with TB with record of more deaths too.
“In accordance with this year’s world TB day theme; “The Clock is thicking”, we want a situation where the right messages and their available services on TB is being spread to everyone through the various channels.
“We want the media to support the state TB programme in their efforts towards reduction of TB in the country.
“The training is aimed at building synergy between the media and the state teams, it’s also for constant creation of awareness and generating of demand for TB in the state.
“Awareness of TB in Nigeria is still very low, and we know the power of the media, so we want to solicit the support of the media through this training, to publish in our various media houses, by this, everyone both in the hinterland and in the cities will get to know about TB, the dangers of not diagonizing TB early, and also get to know the symptoms of TB and we have a toll free number (3340) to call when a symptom is noticed in the neighborhood which is and also and by so doing, TB will become a household name,” she said.
In his presentation, one of the facilitators, Eze Eze noted that both Tuberculosis and COVID-19 share similar symptoms such as; cough, fever and difficulty in breathing.
He urged citizens experiencing such symptoms to go for appropriate diagnosis for both diseases to determine the actual cause of the ailment.
While stressing the need for improvement of health facilities in the country, he called on stakeholders, individuals, NGOs to join hands with the NTBLCP and the Federal and State Ministries of Health in the fight against tuberculosis in the country.
Rivers State TB Program Manager, Dr. Victor Oris-Onyiri while describing TB as a deadly disease said, it’s curable if curable if treated properly.
Disclosing that all public health facilities in the state are centres and offers free TB test, be urged the citizens to visit to know their status.
