The Nigerian government has launched a public awareness campaign to combat misconceptions surrounding tuberculosis (TB), emphasising that the disease is curable and not caused by “spiritual forces”.
Speaking during a road show and awareness walk in Abuja to mark World TB Day, Dr Urhioke Ochuko, Deputy Director of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, reiterated that TB screening and treatment are free at government health facilities.
The campaign aims to encourage residents to seek medical attention if they experience persistent coughs, chest pain, weight loss, or night sweats, all potential TB symptoms.
“The whole essence of this exercise is to get people…to be able to know that TB is still with us, and for them to get the right message,” Dr Ochuko said. “It is not caused by superstition; it is not caused by spiritual forces; it is caused by germs that can be cured.”
While acknowledging progress in TB case notification, Dr Ochuko stressed the need for increased efforts to reach undiagnosed cases, particularly in underserved areas. The government has deployed digital X-ray machines to improve screening and diagnosis.
Mrs Babafunke Fagbemi, Executive Director of CCSI, highlighted the urgency of addressing TB, which remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. She noted that despite being preventable and curable, TB continues to cause illness and death due to low awareness and stigma.
“Misconceptions and stigma surrounding the disease further discourage individuals from seeking timely care, contributing to its continued spread,” Mrs Fagbemi said.
CCSI is employing a multi-pronged approach to raise awareness and promote behaviour change, including grassroots campaigns, media engagement, and community-driven initiatives.
“Ending TB in Nigeria requires changing the way people perceive TB, tackling stigma, and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment,” Mrs Fagbemi said.
She called on stakeholders to increase investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.
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