The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for increased funding and heightened awareness to combat the disease.
According to a recent forum held in Port Harcourt, over 33% of Nigeria’s workforce is at risk of TB, with severe economic implications.
Representatives from various health organizations, including Ifeoma Nwosu of USAID and Ahunanya Maxwell, presented findings indicating Nigeria as a high-prevalence zone for TB.
In 2022 alone, Nigeria reported 479,610 TB incidences, with significant mortality rates affecting over 98,000 individuals annually.
Key factors contributing to the epidemic include school dropouts, unemployment, and the ongoing economic recession, which have compounded social challenges and worsened health outcomes.
Despite efforts to combat TB, Nigeria remains the first in Africa and sixth globally in terms of TB case detection and notification gaps.
The cost of TB treatment has become prohibitively expensive, with reports indicating that in standard countries, treating one patient can cost up to $23,000 (approximately N34 million) over four months.
Bassey Offor, Director of Public Health in Cross River State, emphasized the critical need for collective action and resource mobilization to address the TB crisis.
He noted that while treatment is theoretically free in Nigeria, operational challenges and funding gaps limit accessibility, leaving many affected individuals without adequate care.
Moreover, Offor stressed the importance of public awareness and prevention strategies to curb TB transmission rates.
According to him, the airborne nature of the disease makes it necessary for Nigerians to prioritize their health amidst the prevailing epidemic.
The forum concluded with a call to action directed at government, private sector stakeholders, and the media to intensify efforts in tackling TB through increased funding, improved healthcare infrastructure, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
The urgent need for nutritional support, medical equipment upgrades, and expanded treatment facilities was also highlighted as critical in stemming the tide of the TB epidemic in Nigeria.
In summary, while challenges persist, stakeholders say they remain committed to leveraging partnerships and innovative strategies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of ending the TB epidemic by 2023.
Prevention and early intervention are identified as crucial in reducing infection rates and improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.
Recall that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, recently reiterated the critical role of innovative technology in combating TB.
The minister stated this during the inauguration of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a global and national Stop TB champion.
Prof. Pate also called for increased public awareness and urged the media to support TB sensitization campaigns as Nigeria continues its efforts to eradicate TB and improve the health outcomes of its population.
