Medical professionals have expressed concern about the lack of knowledge about tuberculosis among Nigerians, with only 30 percent aware of the risks and dangers associated with the disease.
This lack of awareness has hindered government efforts to combat tuberculosis in the country, as many people still believe it is linked to spiritual attacks rather than seeking medical help.
The Coordinator of the Lagos State TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Dr. Olusola Sokoya, disclosed that in 2023 alone, over 18,000 people were diagnosed with TB in Lagos.
Despite TB being a prevalent health issue, only 27 percent of the population can identify its signs and symptoms, making it challenging to control its spread.
Nigeria ranks 6th globally and 1st in Africa for TB prevalence, with 11 percent of cases undetected. To effectively combat TB, at least 80-90 percent of the population must be educated on its symptoms, Sokoya emphasized.
The three-day media training aimed to strengthen media collaboration to increase public awareness and empower Nigerians to detect and prevent TB. Without significant improvements in public awareness, the goal of eliminating TB in Nigeria will remain out of reach.
Media practitioners were urged to play a crucial role in informing the public and reducing the spread of TB by dispelling misconceptions and providing accurate information about the disease.
The training of journalists was intended to raise awareness and encourage the uptake of Tuberculosis preventive therapy among Nigerians, as only 30 percent are currently aware of TB.
The involvement of the media is crucial in disseminating TB information and educating the population about the signs and symptoms of the disease, ultimately helping to reduce its prevalence in the country.
She stressed, “All of this data translates to human beings. Real people, real stories, real lives, real experiences. We hope journalists will pick up on these stories and report more accurately.”
