Bukola Afeni
The Chairman House committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control (ATM), Hon. Amobi G. Ogah, has called for collaborative effort to combat Tuberculosis in Nigeria
Hon. Ogah stressed the importance of cooperation among state actors, civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and the general public in the fight against TB.
He made this known at the 2024 World TB Road work celebration at Garki Market, Abuja.
Hon. Ogah was represented by the Member House committee on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, Hon. Ibe O’Meara Osonwa.
According to him, Nigeria ranks first in Africa and sixth in the world accounting for about 4.6% of global TB burden.
“The theme of this year’s celebration is “Yes We Can End TB” and I make bold to say Truly we can end TB. We want state actors and key stakeholders and the general public to collaborate and form a united and strong coalition to confront and finally address the public health menace of Tuberculosis. Stakeholders must close ranks and collaborate for the mutual goal of ending TB in Nigeria”.
He further stated that people who violated the rights of people living with TB will be held accountable.
“As parliamentarians, we will continue to play our role to protect and promote the rights of people affected by TB by putting in place better laws and policies to support those affected by TB and their families. We will ensure that people who violate the rights of people affected by TB diseases are held accountable.” He added.
The Representative of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Dr. Emperoboth Oma urged those living with TB to seek medical help quickly so as not to infect others with TB.
“Anybody who has been coughing for more than two weeks should go to the hospital, where they can be tested for TB Disease.Once an individual is on Tb treatment , they can no longer become infectious to other people.
The Deputy Project Director for Malaria and Tuberculosis, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Dr. Bolatito Ayenigba explained that new drugs from WHO can be taken for 12 weeks to cure TB.
“Now we have new medication from WHO that can be used for 12weeks instead of 6 months. We have new testing tools like the Mobile testing which was utilized in Apo Mechanic Village”, She said.
