Nigeria Faces Growing TB Burden: Over 8,000 Patients Begin Treatment in a Week
Nigeria, known as the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most burdened country worldwide with tuberculosis (TB), is grappling with a rising number of cases. In a recent development, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, revealed that a staggering 8,277 patients were placed on TB treatment in the state within just one week. This figure represents 96% of the total burden of TB patients in Kano State, marking the highest quarterly TB notification ever in Nigeria.
TB, an infectious disease caused by bacteria primarily affecting the lungs, spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit. Shockingly, TB is currently the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious disease killer worldwide, surpassing HIV and AIDS. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.6 million people lose their lives to TB annually.
To make matters worse, Nigeria has the highest prevalence of TB in Africa and the sixth highest globally among the 30 countries most burdened by the disease. Health professionals warn that individuals living with HIV are 16 times more likely to fall ill with TB compared to those without the virus. Consequently, ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is one of the health targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
TB can lie dormant within an individual’s body for years without visible symptoms, making it a silent threat to public health. Even children can be vulnerable to the disease. An untreated TB patient can potentially transmit the infection to approximately 10-15 people within a year, as highlighted by the Kano State Commissioner.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of TB is crucial to prompt diagnosis and treatment. These may include persistent cough, coughing up blood or mucus, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and a general feeling of fatigue and unwellness. Seeking medical attention is essential as TB can be diagnosed early, and the necessary drugs for treatment are readily available and provided free of charge. Early intervention not only halts the spread of the disease but also improves patients’ chances of recovery.
To control the escalating TB burden in Nigeria and reduce its impact, it is imperative to strengthen the national tuberculosis program at all levels and engage private establishments as vital contributors to these efforts. By expanding access to treatment, a greater number of people can receive the care they need.
However, one major obstacle in the effective eradication of TB in the country is the attitude of patients. Many individuals prematurely stop taking their medication due to the lengthy treatment duration. Typically, TB patients must adhere to medication regimens for four to six months, and discontinuing treatment prematurely can result in drug resistance, rendering the TB strain even more challenging to treat, caution medical experts.
As the TB burden in Nigeria continues to rise, urgent action is necessary to combat this infectious disease. Greater awareness, improved access to treatment, and meticulous adherence to medication regimens are vital in curbing the spread of TB. By rallying together, Nigeria can make significant strides towards achieving the goal of ending TB by 2030.
