Caution has been urged for family members, colleagues at the workplace, and the general public to refrain from stigmatizing or discriminating against individuals who have survived Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB.
In a lecture themed ‘The Role of Media in Addressing TB Stigma and Discrimination’ held in Calabar, Dr. Bassey Offor, the Director of the Cross River State Tuberculosis Programme (represented by Mr. Eugene Ajegi), emphasized the negative impact of ongoing stigmatization on TB survivors. This often leads to mental health issues, social isolation, and other psychological consequences.
Offor stressed that discriminating against or stigmatizing survivors is unjust, as it can greatly affect their mental well-being and deter them from openly discussing their condition or seeking necessary support.
He suggested that survivors should be embraced and supported to ensure their adherence to medication and completion of treatment as scheduled.
Furthermore, Offor highlighted that TB medications are readily available at no cost and emphasized that completing the prescribed course effectively cures the disease.
Nigeria is positioned as the sixth country with a high burden of TB globally, with an estimated 590 new cases reported annually, according to Offor.
He also mentioned the high transmission rate of TB in communities, where one infected person can potentially spread the disease to 10 to 15 other individuals due to its contagious nature, caused by the Mycobacterium germ.
Noting the frequent association of TB with HIV, Offor pointed out the increased risk of transmission in enclosed spaces with air conditioning.
In her address, Pascaline Edim, the Cross River State Coordinator of BreakThrough Action Nigeria, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about TB and advocating for regular screening and testing.
Edim highlighted the necessity of consistent awareness campaigns, testing initiatives, and counseling sessions to combat the spread of TB and ensure accurate knowledge of its causes and modes of transmission among the public.
She further recommended the involvement of community and religious leaders, as well as the media, in disseminating vital information about TB within local communities.