From Diagnosis to Hope: Tackling Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria Through Action and Collaboration
In Nigeria, Tara’s story sheds light on the harsh reality of TB. This infectious disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and remains a significant public health challenge. There is hope, however. With early detection, improved diagnostics, and collaborative efforts, Nigeria can turn the tide on TB. Together, Nigerians can create a future free from this preventable and treatable disease.
In a bustling market in Lagos, Nigeria, a young woman named Tara sat down at a makeshift clinic, feeling weak and coughing persistently. She had been experiencing these symptoms for weeks but had dismissed them as the effects of a common cold. Little did she know that her life was about to take a dramatic turn as she received a diagnosis that would change everything: tuberculosis (TB).
The Burden of Tuberculosis in Nigeria
Tara’s story sheds light on the realities of TB in the country and the collective journey towards ending this infectious disease. TB remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with a high burden of new cases each year and a considerable number of undiagnosed and untreated individuals at risk of spreading the disease further.
World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24th to increase awareness about the devastating impact of tuberculosis (TB) and to promote efforts to eliminate this deadly disease. With the theme of this year “Yes, We Can End TB,” according to World Health Organization(WHO), the theme inspires hope and motivates everyone to work together towards a future free from the burden of tuberculosis.It serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for a coordinated global response to combat TB and achieve the goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming over 1.4 million lives each year. Nigeria is ranked sixth nation with the highest number of TB cases globally. Contributing to 4.4 percent to the total TB cases globally in 2021.
Moreso, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those living in poverty, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, and individuals with compromised immune systems such as those living with HIV/AIDS of which the majority of these populations are evident in Nigeria. The emergence of drug-resistant TB strains further complicates treatment and control efforts, posing a serious threat to public health.
Combating the Tuberculosis Epidemic: A Multifaceted Approach
To effectively address the TB epidemic and work towards its elimination, a multifaceted approach is required which includes strengthening health systems, ensuring equitable access to high-quality TB diagnosis to ensure that patients like Tara receive prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment services, accelerating research and innovation, and addressing social determinants that fuel the spread of the disease. Collaborative efforts among governments, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities are essential to tackle the complex challenges posed by TB.
Early detection and timely treatment are key pillars of TB control. Improved diagnostic tools, such as molecular testing technologies, have revolutionized TB diagnosis by enabling rapid and accurate detection of the bacteria. Access to these diagnostic tools needs to be expanded, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Nigeria where TB burden is high. Additionally, ensuring prompt initiation of appropriate treatment regimens is crucial to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB and reduce transmission rates.
Preventive interventions, such as TB vaccination and infection control measures, play a critical role in reducing the burden of the disease. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the most widely used TB vaccine and has been shown to provide protection against severe forms of TB in children. Infection control measures, including adequate ventilation, isolation of infectious TB cases, and use of personal protective equipment, are essential to prevent the transmission of TB in healthcare settings and congregate settings.
Furthermore, research and innovation are fundamental to advancing our understanding of TB biology, cutting-edge technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence, are being harnessed to improve TB diagnostics, identify drug resistance patterns, and optimize treatment outcomes. Investment in research and development is crucial to accelerate progress towards innovative TB solutions.
In addition to this, as Tara embarks on her treatment journey, she is met with challenges such as stigma and discrimination associated with TB. Community engagement, education, and advocacy are essential for dispelling myths about TB and promoting a supportive environment for TB patients.
Nigerians are called upon to unite in the fight against TB and work towards the common goal of ending the disease. Tara’s journey serves as a reminder that each story matters in the fight against TB and that together, Nigerians can make a difference in ending this preventable and treatable disease.
By Judith Obiano
References
- World Health Organization. (2021). World Tuberculosis Day 2021: You Can Make History. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day/2021
- Stop TB Partnership. (2022). World TB Day. Retrieved from https://www.stoptb.org/world-tb-day/world-tb-day-2022
- National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Nigeria. (2021). Retrieved from https://ntblcp.org.ng/
- World Health Organization. (2023). Tuberculosis in Nigeria: A Level 3 Emergency. Retrieved from https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/2023-09/Tuberculosis%20in%20the%20African%20Region_2023%20report.pdf
- Dataphyte. (2022). Nigeria’s TB Survival increases by 67% in 21 years. Retrieved from https://www.dataphyte.com/latest-reports/visualisation/dailydatacard-global-tuberculosis-report-2022/
