The World Health Organization has said that Nigeria has experienced a significant increase of its national Tuberculosis case finding by 50 percent in 2021 utilizing new methods.
The Punch reported that WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, stated this in her speech commemorating World Tuberculosis Day.
Every year on March 24, the world commemorates World TB Day to increase public awareness of the terrible physical, social, and economic effects of this curable disease and to urge swifter action to eradicate it.
As part of the effort to achieve Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals, the theme for this year, “Yes, we can end TB,” emphasizes the need to guarantee equitable access to prevention and care.
According to Dr. Moeti, it’s critical to identify and treat cases of TB so that the patients can receive treatment and their contacts can provide preventative medication.
“Nigeria is an example of a nation that was able to significantly increase national TB case finding by 50% in 2021 using creative strategies like the expansion of daily observed treatment protocols, use of digital technologies, Community Active Case Finding, and enlistment of Public Private Mix initiatives.”
In a press release, she stated that “TB demands collective effort by all sectors: from communities and enterprises to governments, civil society, and others.”
She said that due to a 26% decrease in TB mortality between 2015 and 2021, the African Region was on the verge of achieving a 35% reduction in TB deaths.
She stated that seven countries – Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia had achieved a 35 percent decrease in mortality since 2015.
She lamented the difficulties in TB prevention and control, nevertheless.
“First, the delayed testing and diagnosis. The anticipated number of new infections and TB case notifications still differ substantially; in 2021, 40% of persons with TB were either unaware of their diagnosis or it had not been reported. In the region, a million people have TB but have not been detected.
“Secondly, the relationship between tuberculosis and HIV. 20% of those who receive a TB diagnosis for the first time also have HIV infection.
“Thirdly, the multi-drug resistant TB. Only 26% of persons in the African region who have multidrug resistance are receiving the proper care.
She also praised the member states for adopting more of the WHO’s new tools and recommendations, which has led to earlier access to TB prevention and care a well as better outcomes.
“The adoption of quick diagnostic testing has increased in the African Region, from 34% in 2020 to 43% in 2021, which will enhance countries’ capacity to identify and diagnose new cases of the disease.
“In order to reach vulnerable people and make sure they have access to high-quality TB care and management, we must collaborate to create creative alternatives.
“The second UN High-Level Conference on TB, which will take place in September 2023, will offer a unique chance to raise awareness of the illness worldwide and inspire high-level political commitment to ending TB.
She also praised the member states for adopting more of the WHO’s new tools and recommendations, which has led to earlier access to TB prevention and care a well as better outcomes.
“The adoption of quick diagnostic testing has increased in the African Region, from 34% in 2020 to 43% in 2021, which will enhance countries’ capacity to identify and diagnose new cases of the disease.
“In order to reach vulnerable people and make sure they have access to high-quality TB care and management, we must collaborate to create creative alternatives.
“The second UN High-Level Conference on TB, which will take place in September 2023, will offer a unique chance to raise awareness of the illness worldwide and inspire high-level political commitment to ending TB.
