Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Medical experts have raised concern over the low awareness of tuberculosis among Nigerians, saying that only 30 per cent are aware of its associated risks and threats.
The experts lamented that the lack of awareness among the people had remained a barrier to government’s efforts in combating the disease in the country.
Speaking at the IMPAACT4TB Phase 2 Project event, hosted by the AURUM Institute and UNITAID, the experts said ignorance made many people to link TB to spiritual attack rather than seeking medical help.
The Coordinator of the Lagos State TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Dr. Olusola Sokoya, who revealed that treatment and diagnosis of TB was free, said in 2023 alone, over 18,000 people were diagnosed with TB in Lagos.
Presenting the keynote address at the 3- day media training with the theme: “Strengthening Media Partnership and Collaboration for TB Control in Lagos State, Sokoya lamented that only 30 per cent of the Nigerian population is aware of signs and symptoms of TB.
He expressed concern about the low level of awareness, pointing out that, although TB continues to be a prevalent health issue, only 27 per cent of the population could identify its signs, making it extremely difficult to control the spread
Sokoya referenced the 2022 Global TB Report, which highlighted that 2.9 million TB cases were missed globally, with Nigeria among the five countries accounting for over 50 per cent of these.
He disclosed that Nigeria currently ranks 6th globally and 1st in Africa for TB prevalence with 11 per cent of cases undetected.
“To successfully combat TB, at least 80-90 per cent of the population must be educated on its symptoms,” Sokoya said.
“However, with current awareness levels sitting at only 27 per cent, Nigeria is trailing far behind in efforts to contain this disease.”
The event, spanning three days, aimed to foster stronger media collaboration to boost public awareness and empower Nigerians with the knowledge to detect and prevent TB.
Sokoya noted that without major improvements in public awareness, the goal of eliminating TB in Nigeria would remain elusive.
He added that TB often thrives in conditions of poverty, overcrowding, and poor nutrition, it can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, especially those in close contact with infected individuals.
The expert urged stakeholders to scale up educational campaigns that target all segments of society.
Speaking further on TB situation in Lagos, Sokoya said put the prevalence rate of tb in Lagos on 332/100,000 population, while the incidence rate is 219/100,000 population.
He added that a total of 31, 459 (50,00018541) 65 per cent cases were missed in 2023 and 18.541cases were detected in the same year.
He urged media practitioners to play a pivotal role in informing the public and helping reduce TB’s spread across the country.
Also, another TB expert, Dr. Babajide Kadiri ,said there were misconceptions that TB was caused by witchcraft, or a curse from the gods.
While stressing that these misconceptions were untrue, the physician explained that TB germs are released into the air when a person with TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes.
Kadiri, however, stressed the importance of media helping in sensitisation of the people through routine health programmes to inform Nigerians about the signs and symptoms of TB.
He also suggested inclusion of TB messaging during health-related advocacies to stakeholders.
On her part, the programme coordinator for the Journalists Against AIDS, Olayide Akanni said the training of journalists was in a bid to increase awareness and uptake of Tuberculosis preventive therapy.
Akanni, who is also the Coordinator of the Civil Society Network for the eradication of TB, added that the training aims to equip journalists with accurate information about TB, and enable them to educate the Nigerian populace through their various platforms.
According to her, only 30 per cent of Nigerians are aware of TB, and this lack of awareness contributes to the country’s high TB burden.
Akanni emphasised the importance of media involvement in communicating TB information, stating, “We as the media need to be at the forefront of communicating this information to our audiences.”
She added that 22 journalists were participating in the training, which includes networking opportunities with TB experts and survivors.
To ensure sustainability, she added that a small grant would be established for trained journalists to conduct investigative stories on TB.
She stressed, “All of this data translates to human beings. Real people, real stories, real lives, real experiences. We hope journalists will pick up on these stories and report more accurately.”
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