Nigeria faces a significant tuberculosis burden as highlighted by World TB Day. With 1.25 million TB deaths in 2023 and a 26% increase in reported cases, collective action is critical. Key challenges include insufficient funding, awareness, and healthcare resources. Strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to treatment can help combat this disease effectively.
As the global community observes World Tuberculosis Day, under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the imperative to combat tuberculosis, the deadliest infectious disease, becomes more crucial for Nigerian leaders. Since its inception in 1982, this day emphasizes the responsibility of global leaders in addressing tuberculosis, which significantly impacts millions worldwide, leading to dire health, societal, and economic repercussions.
Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is an air-borne illness that remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, despite being both preventable and treatable. An estimated 10 million individuals develop active TB annually due to the reactivation of dormant infections or community transmission, with 1.1 million being children and 860,000 living with HIV, according to KNCV Nigeria.
The toll of tuberculosis is staggering, with 1.25 million deaths recorded in 2023, including 161,000 people living with HIV. Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, and the presence of blood in sputum. Additional signs of active TB are fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats.
Nigeria bears the heaviest TB burden in Africa, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that 268 individuals succumb to the disease each day. Alarmingly, TB cases remain under-reported, leading to increased transmission risks. A missed diagnosis can spread TB to 15 others within a year. Provisional data reveals 361,000 TB cases reported in Nigeria in 2023, a 26% increase compared to the previous year, with 9% occurring in children.
Moreover, Nigeria accounts for approximately 4.6% of the global TB burden, leading to 15 deaths hourly, totaling 347 daily, 10,417 monthly, and 125,000 annually, as noted by KNCV Nigeria. The WHO’s 2019 Global TB Report highlighted a concerning detection rate of only 24%, with merely 20% of health facilities equipped to provide TB services.
Significantly, factors contributing to TB prevalence include malnutrition (20%), HIV (12%), diabetes (3%), and alcohol use disorder (1%). Although tuberculosis is treatable with antibiotics, many Nigerians are sidelined due to drug-resistant forms of the disease. Furthermore, a significant 69% funding gap hampers effective TB control in Nigeria.
Other challenges include limited awareness about tuberculosis, stigma surrounding the illness, insufficient healthcare personnel, and inadequate access to testing and treatment. The WHO emphasizes that low detection rates in children reflect insufficient skill among healthcare workers and community-level awareness.
To eradicate tuberculosis, there must be a collective commitment from all levels of government to fortify and rejuvenate the healthcare system to cater to the needs of those infected. Federal and state governments should enhance investments in medical facilities and supplies, ensuring accessibility for both urban and rural populations. Additionally, Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme, alongside partners including WHO, should adopt innovative strategies for awareness, testing, diagnosis, and treatment across all states.
In conclusion, the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria necessitates immediate and concerted efforts from government leaders and healthcare workers. By addressing the gaps in funding, enhancing awareness, and improving access to treatment, Nigeria can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates associated with tuberculosis. It is imperative that all stakeholders commit to sustainable solutions and effective strategies to combat this public health crisis.
Original Source: punchng.com
