By Yetunde Oke
Stakeholders in National Tuberculosis Control Programme, NTP have kicked against stigmatisation of children and adults with TB, saying the disease is curable.
This was made known by Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria, in Oyo State, Mr Samuel Akingbesote at a community outreach, Sabo Round About Central Mosque/Palace, in continuation of TB Testing week for Children across the country.
According to Mr Akingbesote, the country is yet to meet up with the expectation of TB case findings, especially among children aged 0 to 14 years, due to stigmatisation.
Mr Akingbesote noted that accessing TB services are free and urged parents to allow their children to be tested, to prevent reservoirs for future transmission of the disease.
On his part, Director, Strategic Information, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria under TB Project in Southwest, Mr Michael Pedro, said data is important in TB Testing, as it enables contact tracing which helps to curtail the spread of the disease.
Mr Pedro, called on National Tuberculosis Control Programme, NTP to use the data from this year’s and previous years TB Testing to mobilise resources in fighting the disease.
Also speaking, Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisor, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs Kehinde Bilau, also emphasised that both TB Testing and treatment are free, urging parents to cooperate with the state government.
Mrs Bilau who added that TB testing is ongoing at different designation in the state, harped on preventive measures such as covering of mouth when coughing, avoiding spitting around the community and prioritization of overall hygiene.
