Health

Tuberculosis Day: Oyo Records About Twelve Thousand Cases

By Web News 746

With the increasing cases of tuberculosis, Oyo State Government wants residents of the state to access the ongoing free community screening, in all its local governments.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Taiwo Ladipo stated this in Ibadan, at the flag off of the community outreach and motorized campaign, on Tuberculosis to commemorate the 2022 world TB day.

According to Dr Ladipo, Oyo state in year 2021, recorded 11, 817 diagnosed and treated cases of tuberculosis, while 388 patients were co-infected with TB and HIV.

The Health Commissioner, also explained that, Nigeria ranked sixth on the list of thirty high TB burden countries and first in Africa.

Dr Ladipo stated further that Oyo State, occupied the thirteenth position among states infected with TB, within the country, hence, efforts by government to provide medical care for those infected.

He noted that, there were five hundred and sixty four health facilities offering treatment for TB with ongoing services expansion to all parts of the State.

The commissioner explained that, the programme was to create awareness on the need to go for TB screening if there was persistent cough for two weeks or more.

Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Muftau Ayoola calls for collaboration between partners and community members in eradicating Tuberculosis.
Speaking on behalf of other Partners, a World Health Organisation, WHO, representative in Oyo state, Mr Oluwadamilare Marcus pledged their support to Oyo state government in reducing tuberculosis to the barest minimum.

Other partners include Breakthrough Action-Nigeria, BA-N, and Damien Foundation Belgium.

Nafiu Busari

Health

CSOs Call For Increased Access To TB Treatment

By Web News 668

As the world commemorates this year’s Tuberculosis Day with the theme, ”The clock is ticking”, civil society organisations have stressed the need to raise more awareness on the debilitating effects of the medical condition on the socio-economic stability of the country.

Those who spoke with Radio Nigeria in Akure said this would prompt people to go for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. 

Studies have shown that tuberculosis is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases causing the death of about 4000 people in Nigeria annually.

This year’s theme “The clock is ticking” emphasises on the need for quick action and collaboration towards ending tuberculosis.

The global pandemic which has also increased the risk of the disease is the main reason civil society organisations in Ondo State are advocating accelerated efforts towards ending tuberculosis.

They were of the view that eradicating the disease would have positive impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the country as government would convert fund meant for drugs to building infrastructure while the people also live in good health.

Ondo State coordinator of Tuberculosis Network, Mr. Martin Mary Falana said there is urgent need to stop the disease among people.

Another stakeholder, Mrs Folasade Bamigboye urged government to make tuberculosis treatment more accessible to infected persons, possibly in all health facilities across the country in the bid to eradicate the deadly disease. 

While advising people to visit hospitals when they have persistent cough, the state programme manager on TB and leprosy in Ondo State, Dr Oluwafemi Aina said early diagnosis often helped in the treatment of tuberculosis and prevent the disease from damaging internal organs.

Dr Aina said the risk of tuberculosis was high with the Covid-19 pandemic urging people to take their health seriously.

Olufisoye Adenitan

Health

Tuberculosis: Access to Proper Healthcare Services is Important – Ogun Gov.’s Wife

By Web News 1265

Ogun State government has blamed the prevalence of tuberculosis in the society to poor access to healthcare services especially among the less privileged.

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun made this known in a statement in Abeokuta through her media aide, Kemi Oyeleye to commemorate the 2020 World Tuberculosis Day.

Mrs Abiodun who described tuberculosis as one of the major causes of death in Nigeria said there was the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure people have access to quality healthcare services in the state.

The wife of Ogun State governor explained that the celebration of the World Tuberculosis Day with the theme “It’s Time” was to the draw attention of relevant stakeholders on the need to reduce stigma and discrimination as well as to build accountability.  

She pointed out that Ogun State has 306 DOTS sites for TB services which increased from 216 DOTS sites in 2018 across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state while TB diagnosis remained free to patients. 

Mrs Abiodun said eighty-three per cent of a total of three thousand, one hundred and two cases managed in 2019 were successfully treated.

Olusegun Folarin

Health

Tuberculosis Day: Examining Prevention, Management

By Web News 715

According to the World Health Organisation, W.H.O, tuberculosis is a major cause of illness and death globally.

Each year, the disease kills almost two million people worldwide.

To this end, W.H.O set every twenty-fourth of March as World Tuberculosis Day to create more awareness about the scourge.

In this report, Radio Nigeria Ibadan health correspondent, Titilayo Kupoliyi examines the prevention and management of tuberculosis.