Rivers: Tuberculosis Spread Declines As NGOs Intensify Awareness

Recent statistics have indicated a decline in the rate of tuberculosis (TB) infection as some non- governmental groups intensifies awareness and treatment campaign across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
The revelation was made by Senior Programme Officer of Breakthrough Action for Social and Behaviour Change, Dr. Edor Joseph Paul during one day training on Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis Related Reporting organized by Breakthrough Action Nigeria and Rivers State Ministry of Health for journalists In Port Harcourt.
Though the figures rose from 2,894 in last quarter of 2021, in the last quarter of 2022 about 6,363 were diagnosed and treated.
Dr. Paul observed that the number of those diagnosed and treated rose as the body spread into the 23 local government areas with Out Patient Departments (OPD) and Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) centres.
He explained that regular sensitization has yielded huge results, “before now there has been passive funding, but now there is active case funding through activities in the communities”, he stated.
He insisted there is need for more funding and engagement of the local people, as he tasked the media to join the onslaught against the malaise of tuberculosis.
Seeking for more collaboration and partnership, the Breakthrough Action Programme Officer said the media, stakeholders and other groups are key in the fight against TB.
He identified stigmatization as a major challenge in the fight against TB, while assuring that TB is curable when diagnosed and treated with the right medicines.
On her part Dr. Nera Kadiri Ene of the KNCV , a foreign aid organization that supports and funds tuberculosis treatment across the globe said the programme is essential to curb TB
She explained that TB, which is airborne and transmittable once diagnosed is treatable but that people should jettison beliefs and embrace modern treatment methods to reduce stigmatization and discrimination of those with TB.

Kevin Nengia