It is important to caution family members, colleagues at the workplace, and the public against stigmatizing or discriminating against individuals who have survived Tuberculosis (TB).
Dr. Bassey Offor, the Director of the Cross River State Tuberculosis Programme, represented by Mr. Eugene Ajegi, highlighted that the ongoing stigmatization has negative effects on TB survivors, causing relapses into mental health issues, isolation, and other psychological consequences.
Delivering a lecture titled ‘The Role of Media in Addressing TB Stigma and Discrimination’ in Calabar, Offor emphasized the wrongfulness of discriminating against or stigmatizing survivors.
He stressed that such actions impact survivors’ mental well-being, often leading to non-disclosure of their condition or withdrawal from social interactions.
Offor recommended that survivors be embraced and provided with care to motivate them to adhere to their medications and complete the treatment as prescribed.
Additionally, he assured that TB medications are readily available free of charge, and upon completion of the prescription, the disease can be completely cured.
Highlighting Nigeria’s TB burden, Offor noted that the country ranks as the sixth highest burdened TB nation globally, with 590 new cases reported every year.
He explained the contagious nature of TB, attributing it to a germ called Mycobacterium, and pointed out that many cases are linked to HIV infections, easily spreading even in air-conditioned environments.
In her comments, Pascaline Edim, the Cross River State Coordinator of BreakThrough Action Nigeria, urged for increased awareness about TB and regular screening and testing of individuals.
She emphasized the importance of conducting awareness programs, providing correct information on TB causes and transmission modes, and involving community and religious leaders, as well as the media, in disseminating information about TB.