The National Institute of Public Health and Infectious Diseases (NIPHID), Saye, Zaria, has conducted a sensitization campaign on Tuberculosis across Juma’at mosques, churches, and through free medical outreach programmes at PHC Chikaji in Sabon Gari Local Government Area.
The campaign aims to promote awareness of the prevention, early detection, and treatment of tuberculosis, while encouraging greater community participation in combating the disease.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of NIPHID, Dr. Abdullahi Dalhatu Aminu, expressed confidence that tuberculosis can be eliminated if all stakeholders actively engage in its control and prevention.
He stressed that ending the disease requires collective action involving government, communities, and individuals, noting that success can only be achieved when everyone plays a role.
Dr. Abdullahi explained that the government provides free tuberculosis drugs, as well as free testing and diagnostic services across the country.
He, however, noted that some patients still face challenges in accessing healthcare services due to transportation difficulties and other basic needs.
The Director-General further revealed that Nigeria ranks fourth globally among countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis and first in Africa, describing the situation as a serious public health concern that requires urgent and coordinated action.
He also urged the media to intensify public enlightenment efforts and called on stakeholders to contribute through advocacy, funding, and community support towards ending tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Also speaking, a consultant family physician and Head of Hospital Services, Dr. Umma Aliyu, said tuberculosis is both preventable and curable if appropriate measures are taken.
She explained that preventing the disease requires avoiding overcrowded environments and ensuring proper ventilation in homes and public places.
Dr. Aliyu further advised individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles by avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, noting that such habits increase the risk of contracting tuberculosis.
Some tuberculosis patients who attended the outreach programme expressed appreciation to NIPHID for organizing the sensitization campaign.
Radio Nigeria reports that during the campaign a team of expert spent a significant part of the day at PHC Chikaji, where free medical services were provided.
These included TB screening, testing, and consultations for a large number of people, including children and adults.
The themed of this year World Tuberculosis Day We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Cov/Ibrahim Suleiman
