Nigerians have been advised to go for constant checking to ascertain their Tuberculosis status.
The Chairman of World Tuberculosis Day 2021, Dr Ayodele Awe, made the disclosure while speaking at an outreach in Lugbe, to mark the World TB day celebration.
According to him, Tuberculosis is curable, but with early detection it can easily be treated.
He added that the World TB day celebration is usually commemorated every year to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Each year, we increase the awareness of the community on Tuberculosis, we want to remove the necessary stigma that is associated with Tuberculosis, for the resident to know the signs and symptoms that is associated with Tuberculosis. “
He further emphasized on the fact that any cough that is more than 2 weeks is a Tuberculosis suspect.
“ The citizen should know that they can walk to any designated facility to access treatment in each local government.
The Federal Government is providing machines to test anyone that is coughing, and the sputum is also used to determine the level of the TB ailment.”
The National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program, who was represented by Mrs Itohowo Ukoh , charged health workers to always give the best treatment to patients, whenever they come for testing or treatment.
She highlighted that the theme of this year’s celebration is apt, at this point in time, as many patients are scared of going for Tuberculosis test, due to the fear of COVID-19 virus.
“Many patients have been hiding under the guise of fear by not going for COVID-19 test, due to the stigma associated with Corona virus epidemic. We want you all to know that TB can be treated like any other ailment.”
Dr Usman Nga Kupi, Sapeyi of Garki, said the outreach will create awareness so as get acquainted with more information regarding Tuberculosis ailment.
He further called on the government to create more TB testing centers, such that more citizen will be able to access treatment.
“It is better for the Federal Government to build hospitals for the treatment of TB in each states of the Federation.
It will create opportunities for Nigerians who cannot detect TB ailment from a distance to be able to detect the disease.”
