Nigeria has been identified as one of the countries with the largest load of tuberculosis (TB) in Africa, which represents 20 percent of TB cases of the continent, according to the National Tuberculosis, Lepra and control program of Buruli ulcers.
This revelation has raised concerns among health experts, who point out that the high population of the country and inadequate health infrastructure exacerbate the spread of the disease.
A public health expert, Dr. Hananiya Dauda Samuel, in her presentation prepared by NTBLCP in a symposium to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day 2025, said that TB remains one of the 10 main causes of death throughout the world, with Nigeria located among the 30 world high -level countries.
The symposium that was organized by the Zankli Research Center in collaboration with the Light consortium to commemorate World TB Day focused on raising awareness of tuberculosis, its global impact and the collective efforts necessary to combat this public health challenge.
He also brought together researchers, health professionals, students and interested parties to discuss innovative solutions and strategies to end TB.
NTBLCP also attributed the high TB load in Nigeria to factors such as poverty, malnutrition and improper access to health services.
“Nigeria's high TB load is also due to the country's failure to prioritize TB control efforts.” We need to expand our efforts to detect and treat TB cases, especially in rural areas where access to medical care is limited, “he said.
In addition, the early career researcher (ERC) in the Light Consortium, Dr. Chukwuebuka Ugwu, while talking with journalists emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to the tuberculosis response (TB), stating that he saves money and resources.
According to UGWU, an integrated approach to medical care means that when a patient visits a health center, he receives comprehensive care that addresses all his health needs, not just primary disease.
This approach, he explained, verifies infectious and non -infectious diseases, as well as psychological well -being.
UGWU pointed out that an integrated approach to the tuberculosis response is crucial, since it ensures that patients receive all the necessary services on a visit, instead of having to return several times.
This approach, he said, saves money and resources for both the patient and for the health system.
The expert also highlighted the importance of community -driven approaches for the detection of TB, citing a research study that showed significant improvements in the knowledge of tuberculosis and reductions in stigma among community members.
UGWU said that men in particular require more time and effort to convince them to look for health services, but once convinced, they can become powerful defenders of health messages within their families and communities.
He explained that men often have a higher load of TB, but are less willing to visit hospitals. Therefore, community -based dissemination programs that attack men in their meeting places, such as mosques, can be effective in increasing awareness and treatment of TB.
UGWU also emphasized the need for health workers to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of their patients, particularly men. He pointed out that men may have different schedules and priorities, such as providing their families, and that health workers must be flexible and complacent to meet these needs.
He stressed the importance of confidence and monitoring to ensure that patients adhere to their treatment regimes. He pointed out that patients, especially men, may require repeated reminders and encouragement to take their medications as prescribed.
“There is a need for policy formulators and medical care administrators to prioritize integrated medical care approaches, particularly in limited resources.”
He pointed out that integrated care can help reduce medical care costs, improve health results and improve the general efficiency of health systems.
Previously in his welcome speech, the acceptance manager of the Research of the Light Consortium, Toyosi Adekeye, expressed concern that tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, has been a long -standing health problem in Africa.
Adekeye, who is also an associated professor in the Department of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care at the University of Bingham, Zankli Research Center, Karu, a state of Nasarawa, said that in the past, tuberculosis was often badly diagnosed as a mere disease, which leads to innumerable deaths due to the lack of adequate treatment.
“Unfortunately, this trend continues to this day, with many people in our immediate environment suffering from TB without even realizing.”
“One of the most striking aspects of TB is that its treatment and diagnosis are completely free, provided that one can access a treatment center. However, lack of awareness about the disease remains a significant challenge.”
“Recently, we carried out a dissemination program aimed at adolescents, and the results were revealing. Many of the participants did not know the symptoms of the TB, often confusing them with common colds or throat pain.”
“This lack of conscience can have devastating consequences. When they are not treated, TB can persist and worsen, which eventually affects all aspects of one's life. It is not uncommon for people to seek the treatment of chemicals or trust traditional remedies, only to discover later they have been living with TB.”
“You cannot exaggerate the importance of addressing TB. It requires an effort to collaborate in multiple sectors, including medical care, education and community dissemination. When working together, we can raise awareness about TB, improve access to treatment and, ultimately, save lives.”
“Today, we have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field about the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment and the importance of associations to combat the disease. We hope that at the end of this symposium, participants will be more knowledgeable about TB and equipped to have a positive impact on their communities.”
“As we advance, it is essential that we prioritize the awareness and education of TB, particularly among vulnerable populations. In doing so, we can reduce the stigma associated with TB and ensure that those affected receive the treatment and support they need.”
“Ultimately, the fight against TB requires a collective effort. We must work together to raise awareness, improve access to treatment and support those affected by the disease. In doing so, we can create a healthier and more compassionate society for all.” Said.