Tuberculosis is said to be the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause from a single infectious agent, ranking above Human Immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Seven countries account for 64 per cent of the total, with India leading, followed by Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, and South Africa. To eradicate the disease, the experts advocate that government shows sustained political commitment; escalate availability of drugs and diagnostic facilities, increase health workers’ training, partnership with donor agencies, strengthening of tuberculosis control programme, as well as increase awareness among citizens through appropriate public health campaign. Like most ailments, they said early diagnosis and treatment is key to prevention. This includes immunisation of children with Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine and provision of prophylaxis to vulnerable group. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is a co-morbidity and important driver of TB. There is also need for effective support and motivation to those on treatment to complete therapy, as well as provision of infection control facilities in hospital and personal protective equipment to health care providers to limit spread, teaching of cough etiquettes, stepping up advocacy about TB transmission and treatment, among others. Sufferers need support and removal of barriers and stigma associated with the disease.
Original Source, Nigerian Medicals
A Consultant Respiratory physician with Department of Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja, Dr. Olayinka Olufunke Adeyeye said this year’s theme: ‘Wanted: Leader for a TB-free World. You can make history and End TB’ is in line with the global journey to eradication of tuberculosis, which is a potentially preventable disease, has come a long way. She said: “From 1993, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted the global burden of this disease and declared a state of emergency on it and adopted Directly Observed Treatments (DOTs) strategy to combat it, different efforts and strategies have emerged to bring about an end to TB, but unfortunately, this is yet to happen. The stop TB strategy was adopted in 2005. “In 2016, End TB strategy/post TB strategy was adopted, which aimed to reduce deaths by 95 per cent, cut new cases of TB by 90 per cent and ensure no family is burdened with catastrophic expenses due to TB. In this strategy, the vision is a world that is free of TB, zero deaths from TB and zero suffering from TB 2016 to 2035.” She explained that a TB leader could be any one from the president, head of state, governors, local government chairmen, community leaders to the citizens, or any one at all that will advocate, speak up and engage with the aim to end TB. “The world needs individuals and non- governmental organisations to show leadership in this regard and not only the political leader to help make the dream of a TB-free society a reality. Relying only on government may not be enough. There is need for greater call to action by everyone to build capacity for a TB-free world by increasing leadership awareness to end the disease.
