World tuberculosis day is usually celebrated on the 24th of March of every year, and its aim is to build public awareness and eliminate the disease. This year’s theme is ‘Invest to End TB. Save Lives’, which is aimed at increasing investment towards the eradication of tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is a contagious infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that mostly affects the lungs, although it can affect other parts of the body.
World Health Organisation data shows that the incidence of tuberculosis in Nigeria is higher for males than females, and this is due to biological and social factors including the time before seeking care and access to healthcare. Individuals between the age groups 25-34 and 35-44 also have a high prevalence of tuberculosis.
Nigeria ranked 4th among 22 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis in the world and ranks 1st in Africa. Tuberculosis accounts for more than 10% of deaths in Nigeria with an average of 245,000 deaths per year. Tuberculosis is a big problem in Nigeria and efforts have been made to tackle this problem. The National Tuberculosis & Leprosy Control Program (NTLCP) coordinates all activities across states to eradicate tuberculosis. There is also the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control. Other initiatives include the StopTB Partnership. Asides from federal government funding, there is funding from the World Bank, USAID among others.