By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
When Motunrayo Alabi began feeling constantly tired during her National Youth Service year a few years ago, she never imagined it was tuberculosis (TB). Thinking it was a minor illness, she visited a private hospital and was later referred to a Directly Observed Treatment Centre (DOTC) in Yaba, Lagos. There, her fears were confirmed, she had tuberculosis.
“I was scared at first,” she recalled. “But I was referred to a health facility closer to my home, where I received free treatment for six months. I followed all the medical advice, completed my drugs, and today, I am completely healed. I’m married now and blessed with children. TB is not a death sentence.”
Motunrayo, now a TB survivor, uses her story to encourage patients to adhere strictly to their medication and to appeal to the public to stop discriminating against those living with the disease. “Many people avoided me then, but I want others to know that with treatment and support, recovery is possible,” she said.
World TB Day: Raising Awareness and Ending Stigma
World Tuberculosis Day is observed globally on 24th March to raise awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic impact of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause the disease.
This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB”, highlights the world’s renewed commitment to ending tuberculosis through innovation, early diagnosis, and public awareness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 10.8 million people fell ill with TB in 2023, including 6 million men, 3.6 million women, and 1.3 million children. The disease claimed about 1.25 million lives, including 161,000 people living with HIV.
Despite progress, WHO says TB remains the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 in mortality rates.
Nigeria Among Countries with Highest TB Burden
According to WHO, Nigeria has the highest TB burden in Africa. The disease kills 268 people in the country every day. Yet TB cases are under-reported, increasing the high risk of transmission. It is estimated that one missed case can transmit TB to 15 people in a year.
The gap in case detection is mostly among children, due to some health workers at facility and community level not sufficiently skilled to detect childhood TB, as well as a lack of awareness among families and communities. TB services are also not fully integrated into routine children’s health services, such as nutrition and immunization programmes.
However, the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control programme, said in 2023, Nigeria recorded the highest TB notification ever since the establishment of the NTBLCP in 1989.
A total of 371,019 TB cases were notified in 2023, this represents more than 100% achievement of the target set for TB case finding and notification for the year 2023 in the National strategic plan. The country recorded a high treatment success rate of 93% in 2023.
Another report said there has been a significant increase in survival rates, from 9 out of every 20 patients in 2000 to 15 out of 20 in 2021, representing a 67 percent improvement. The country has also recorded a decline in TB-related deaths over the past six years.
Experts Call for Early Detection and End to Discrimination
The World Health Organization’s National Professional Officer on Tuberculosis in Nigeria, Dr Amos Omoniyi, explained that tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air when people with active TB cough, speak, or sneeze.
He listed common symptoms of TB as:
Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks Chest pain and difficulty breathing Fever, night sweats, and chills Weight loss and fatigue Coughing up blood or mucus
Dr Omoniyi urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. “Early diagnosis and treatment are critical,” he said, adding that free TB testing and treatment are available across government health facilities.
He also condemned the stigma and discrimination faced by TB patients and survivors, warning that it discourages early diagnosis and treatment. “We must stop discrimination; it affects recovery and mental health. TB is curable and preventable,” he emphasised.
Global Efforts and Nigeria’s Progress
Dr Omoniyi noted that Nigeria has intensified its efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target to end TB by 2030.
Key government interventions include:
Nationwide public sensitisation campaigns, Free testing and treatment for all TB patients, Community engagement to combat stigma and misinformation
Globally, the WHO estimates that 79 million lives have been saved through TB interventions since 2000. The organisation has pledged to release an investment case to help countries expand access to preventive treatment for those at risk.
Hope Beyond Infection
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Tuberculosis Day, survivors like Motunrayo Alabi stand as symbols of hope. Her story demonstrates that with early detection, free treatment, and public support, TB can be beaten.
“I’m living proof that tuberculosis is curable,” she said. “All we need is awareness, compassion, and the courage to seek treatment early.”
Leave a Reply