BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Concern for Women and Youth Empowerment (COWOYEM) has called on Deltans to be more vigilant, particularly around individuals with persistent coughs, as this could indicate Tuberculosis (TB).
The appeal was made during an advocacy meeting focused on Public-Private Mix (PPM) in TB control, held in partnership with Palladium Group, under the health component of the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The event emphasized that increased awareness and vigilance could save lives and ensure a healthier workforce.
Giving her remarks, the Executive Director of COWOYEM, Mrs Tessy Ehanoro highlighted the dangers of TB, especially in rural areas, urging early testing and detection.
She noted that TB is an airborne disease that can easily spread, with one untreated case potentially transmitting the disease to 15 others within a year. Enahoro also stressed the need for more funding and advocacy to raise awareness about the disease in the state.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria is among the countries hardest hit by TB, with the disease reportedly killing 268 people daily. In Delta State alone, approximately 15,000 adults and 2,372 children are said to be currently living with TB.
She pointed out that while vigilance and awareness are key to combating TB, more funding and advocacy are essential to ensure that TB programs are adequately supported.
Enahoro called for a concerted effort to increase public awareness and encourage early detection and treatment, particularly in vulnerable communities.
