Stigmatization and low Tuberculosis (TB)  case detection undermines TB response,  leads to increased transmission and high TB prevalence rates, hence, the National Tuberculosis, Burulli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) calls for urgent need to increase early TB case finding, notification and treatment.

NTBLCP, emphasised that the drugs and diagnostic tests of TB are free of charge in Nigeria while noting that TB is completely curable if detected and treated early.

Speaking on this, at an integrated media  parley organised by Breakthrough Action -Nigeria in collaboration with the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN),  in Lagos recently,  Mrs Itohowo Uko, the Deputy Director of  NTBLCP in the Federal Ministry of Health,

expressed worry about the high prevalence rate of tuberculosis infections in the country.

She stated , ” Nigeria is classified among the 14 countries with high burden of TB, MDR-TB & TB/HIV  . Nigeria has the 6th highest burden of TB patients globally and first in Africa. And according  to WHO reports,  one case of untreated PTB can infect 10 – 15 persons per year.  “

Therefore,  Uko called for unprecedented  commitment from government  , policy makers,  corporate bodies,  media and all stakeholders so as to achieve a 50% reduction in the TB prevalence rate and 75% reduction in the TB mortality rate (excluding HIV) in Nigeria by 2025 .

Further,  she explained that Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by the germ Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects the lungs mainly but may affect any other parts of the body.