Nigeria has been identified as one of the African countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB), accounting for 20% of the continent’s cases, according to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP).
The alarming statistic has raised concerns among health experts, who cite the country’s large population and inadequate healthcare infrastructure as major factors fueling the disease’s spread.
The experts spoke at a symposium held at Bingham University, organized by the Zankli Research Centre in collaboration with The Light Consortium to mark World TB Day.
Observed annually on March 24, World TB Day aims to raise awareness about tuberculosis, its global impact, and the collective efforts required to combat this public health challenge.
Samuel Hananiya, a public health expert, highlighted that TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death globally, with Nigeria ranking among the 30 high-burden countries.
In his NTBLCP presentation, Hananiya outlined several challenges hindering TB control in Nigeria, including a weak healthcare system, a significant funding gap, poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to TB services, particularly in rural areas.
He noted that the high costs incurred by TB patients further complicate efforts to curb the disease’s spread.
To overcome these challenges, he emphasized the need for increased government commitment and domestic funding for TB programs, the expansion of public-private partnerships, and improved community participation in TB control efforts.
He called for intensified awareness campaigns to educate the public on TB symptoms, the fact that it is curable, and the availability of free treatment.
Addressing the social factors fueling TB, such as poverty and inadequate healthcare access, was also highlighted as crucial.
Dr. Hananiya stressed that partnerships are essential in the fight against TB, as the disease affects not only health but also the economy, education, and social well-being.
He called for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector, academia, NGOs, and international partners, with private hospitals, pharmacies, and faith-based organizations playing a key role in expanding TB detection and treatment services.
He also underscored the importance of innovation in combating TB, citing advancements such as new diagnostic tools, vaccines, AI-assisted TB screening, and digital health interventions like mobile apps for TB surveillance and telemedicine for remote consultations.
He highlighted the potential of new treatment regimens, including the shorter and more effective BPaL regimen for drug-resistant TB, in improving treatment outcomes.
Despite these efforts, he warned that unless Nigeria prioritizes TB control, the country will continue to bear a heavy burden.
He called for urgent action to scale up detection and treatment, particularly in underserved areas, to ensure that more people receive timely and effective care.
Meanwhile, Chukwuebuka Ugwu, an Early Career Researcher at The Light Consortium, emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to TB response while emphasizing the need to combat the stigma attached to the disease.
He noted that when patients visit healthcare facilities, they should receive comprehensive care that addresses not only TB but also other infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as psychological wellness.
Ugwu highlighted that men, who often bear a higher TB burden, are less likely to seek medical attention, making community-driven outreach programs essential.
He called for targeted awareness campaigns in gathering places like worship centers and markets to encourage men to seek TB care while emphasizing the need for healthcare workers to accommodate men’s work schedules for better treatment adherence.
He also stressed the importance of trust-building and follow-up care, noting that many patients require repeated reminders and encouragement to stay on their medication regimen.
On his part, Associate Professor Toyosi Adekeye, Research Uptake Manager at The Light Consortium and Bingham University’s Zankli Research Centre, who reflected on TB’s longstanding impact in Africa, lamented that TB was historically misdiagnosed as a mere cough, leading to preventable deaths.
While sharing insights from a recent outreach program targeting adolescents, which revealed that many mistook TB symptoms for common colds or sore throats, Adekeye lamented that despite free treatment and diagnosis, a lack of awareness remains a major challenge.
Warning that lack of knowledge can lead to delayed treatment and worsened health outcomes, he said, “The fight against TB requires a collective effort across healthcare, education, and community sectors.
“By prioritizing awareness and education, particularly among vulnerable populations, we can reduce stigma, improve access to treatment, and save lives”.
He urged policymakers and healthcare administrators to prioritize integrated healthcare approaches, particularly in resource-constrained settings, as they can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes.
