BREAKING: Fighting the tuberculosis scourge

TUBERCULOSIS, a disease once thought to be under control, remains one of the most significant health challenges in Nigeria. With over 467,000 cases recorded in 2023, Nigeria is now ranked as the sixth-highest TB-burdened country in the world and the first in Africa. This is a troubling statistic for a disease that is both preventable and curable.

The call by the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, for united action to end TB resonates with all stakeholders. Governments at all levels, the private sector, civil society, and individuals must play their part in the fight against TB.

TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that most commonly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It is airborne, transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even speaks.

The symptoms are persistent coughing, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. It thrives in conditions of poverty, overcrowding, and poor healthcare access, making low and middle-income countries particularly vulnerable.

Globally, TB claimed 1.6 million lives in 2023, with 10.8 million new cases reported. Alarmingly, 12 per cent of the global burden affects vulnerable populations, including children and adolescents.

Nigeria has a burden of 245,000 annual TB deaths.

The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 says TB remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria. The prevalence of drug-resistant TB and the overlap with HIV exacerbate the problem, presenting new challenges for treatment and containment.

The Nigerian government, over the years, has made some efforts to combat TB, including implementing the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme. This programme has focused on early detection, treatment, and prevention.

International partnerships have played a significant role. Support from global organisations like the Stop TB Partnership and the WHO has facilitated awareness campaigns, provision of diagnostic tools, and supply of medications.

The private sector, too, has shown commitment, with a recent pledge of $25 million towards Nigeria’s TB response. These efforts have yielded some progress: the country recorded a 24 per cent decline in TB incidence rates between 2015 and 2023.

However, the pace of progress is grossly insufficient. The high number of undiagnosed cases—estimated to be over 40 per cent of those affected—indicates a gap in access to healthcare, awareness, and community engagement. The lack of sustained domestic funding, poor integration of TB services into primary healthcare, and inadequate use of technology have hindered the fight against TB.

Several factors contribute to the persistence of tuberculosis in Nigeria. First, there is a significant lack of awareness about the disease. Many people do not know the symptoms of TB, how it is transmitted, or if it can be cured.

Second, the stigma associated with TB discourages individuals from seeking medical help. In many communities, TB is erroneously viewed as a disease of the poor or as a punishment for immoral behaviour.

Third, Nigeria’s healthcare system is underfunded and overstretched. Diagnostic tools, such as GeneXpert machines used to detect TB and drug-resistant strains, are often unavailable or concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural populations underserved. The same applies to medications and trained healthcare workers.

To effectively tackle tuberculosis in Nigeria, a multi-pronged approach is required, involving government agencies, private sector actors, community leaders, and international partners. Public education must be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s TB strategy.

Awareness campaigns should target rural and urban areas, using local languages and culturally relevant messaging.

Also, early diagnosis is critical to controlling TB. The government must invest in diagnostic tools and ensure they are widely available, particularly in underserved rural areas. Mobile testing units and community health outreach programmes can help bridge the gap in access.

With decisive leadership, adequate funding, and collective effort, the scourge of TB can be eradicated.

The time to act is now.