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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Tuberculosis (TB) related deaths in Nigeria rose by 0.52 per cent in 2020 when compared to previous years particularly 2015.
Experts in TB management linked the development to COVID-19 which altered global system particularly health care delivery system, thereby obstructing case detections and treatment.
National Professional Officer, TB, WHO, Nigeria Office, Dr. Amos Omoniyi, who disclosed the information at a virtual media engagement at the weekend, said the new development could jeopardize the chances of Nigeria eradicating TB by 2030.
He was, however, optimistic that progress would be achieved in TB case management in Nigeria if the government will implement data-driven, evidence-based and technology-enhanced interventions as contained in the National Strategic Plan (NSP).
Omoniyi said: “Unfortunately, TB related programmes in Nigeria are underfunded. Records indicated that about 70 per cent of TB budget in 2021 were not funded. So, it’s important to mobilise adequate domestic resources in combating this killer disease.”
He noted that the number of deaths from TB in 2020 was 156,000, meaning that one person died every three minutes due to TB.
Deputy Executive Director of Stop TB Partnership, Suvanand Sahu, corroborated the earlier position that Nigeria was not on track achieve the section of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to end TB and other related diseases by 2030.
Nevertheless, he maintained that there’s hope for Nigeria if it immediately aligns with the global plan to end the disease.
He said the Stop TB Partnership has unveiled a cost plan which will guide the world in its effort to end TB.
National Coordinator of TB People Nigeria, Tope Adams, suggested that a state of emergency be declared on TB in Nigeria due to the fact that the disease has claimed many lives.
She said: “If a state of emergency is declared on the disease, it will get more attention from local and other global leaders. The move will also push necessary persons to put more effort and investments in preventing TB through various available measures including the use of vaccines and TB preventive therapy (TBT).”
She encouraged the media to assist in areas of awareness and advocacy so that more people would have access to information on TB and what is required in any suspected case(s).
