In line with the theme of the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, “Yes! We can end TB and slogan: No gree for TB! Check Am O,” Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has sensitized the public about tuberculosis and efforts to address the disease in the country.
During a pre-World TB Day ministerial press briefing to commemorate the day, IHVN Senior Manager, Dr Temitope Adetiba stated that in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP), and other partners, IHVN has notified over 200,000 people affected by tuberculosis across 31 states.
“Not all Nigerians have access to tuberculosis services, and this gave rise to our foray into the private sector because data shows that more than 60% of Nigerians access health care first in the private sector. We engaged with patent medicine vendors, community pharmacists, and traditional healers, and can reach more Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the new phase of the Global Fund grant in Nigeria involves scaling up tuberculosis services to all states of the federation.
“I am happy that the members of the press here can take this message out there, that people in the community can go to the nearest patent medicine vendor, traditional birth attendants for tuberculosis services. We have trained these people across the country to be able to provide quality assured tuberculosis services.
Also, through the support of the Global Fund, we have optimized the Gene Xpert platforms. To be able to conduct tests round the clock, they have been equipped with solar panels, batteries and inverter systems so that whenever tuberculosis specimens are sent for test, the results can be available within 24 hours,” he added.
IHVN also participated in road walks in Abuja and Lagos to create awareness about the disease. In Abuja, the walk was from Garki Ultra-Modern Market to Garki Old Market while in Lagos State, the walk held in Ikeja – from the Ministry of Health to the House of Assembly and Shoprite.
Every year, the world commemorates World Tuberculosis Day on March 24th to raise awareness about tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease
