PRE- WORLD TB DAY CONFERENCE BY STAKEHOLDERS:
In order to control Tuberculosis,(TB) in Nigeria, government and stakeholders are directing their attention on adolescents and the index cases.
This is to ensure that the missing 300,000 TB cases are detected and diagnosed as well as treated.
Nigeria had in 2015 pledged to end TB by 2030 alongside 193 other countries, but still records a significant number of missing cases yearly, which has stalled the fight against the disease in the country.
The National Coordinator, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program. Ministry of Health of Nigeria, Dr. Adebola Lawanson made this known in Abuja at a Pre World TB Day media briefing.
The Country Director KNCV Nigeria, Dr Bethrand Odume observed that over 95% of TB deaths occurred in low and middle income countries especially Africa.
“In 2018, about 1.4 million people globally died of TB related causes including over 205,000 children,And over 95% of TB deaths occurs in low and middle income countries especially Africa. “
‘Nigeria is one of the countries with the high burden of the disease globally. According to the 2018 Global TB Report, Nigeria is among the 30 high burden for TB.”he said.
The Chairman House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Abubakar Dahiru Sarki, called for collaborative efforts to end TB in Nigeria.
” There will be public hearing on how to galvanized effort to get fund to end TB.“ “This is the first world tuberculosis day since the ninth assembly was inaugurate on 11th of June 2019 am happy to be here to support the effort of all stakeholders to work together to end TB in Nigeria.’’
He added that all over three hundred House of Representative members would be mandated to buy a Gene Expert TB testing machine for their constituencies
Also speaking Executive Secretary, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Mayowa Joel said Stop TB Nigeria would leverage on the media, influencers and celebrities to spread awareness about TB, testing and the free treatment.
“There is a great need for advocacy for higher budget to aid this fight against TB and since the investiture of the Wives of Governors as TB champions by Nigeria’s First Lady, there has been a marked difference in awareness and response at the state level
