The Director of Cross River State Tuberculosis Program, Dr Bassey Offor, has identified continual stigmatization as a factor that made many Tuberculosis survivors to relapse into Program
depression, isolation and other psychological consequences.
The Director of Cross River State Tuberculosis Program, spoke at a lecture on the topic, ‘The Role of Media in Addressing TB Stigma and Discrimination’ in Calabar on Friday.
Represented by Mr. Eugene Ajegi, he warned members of the public against stigmatizing or discriminating against Tuberculosis, TB, survivors saying that it is very wrong for survivors to be discriminated against or stigmatized.
Such actions according to him, have implications on survivors’ psyche, and often lead them to non-disclosure of their sickness or becoming reclusive.
He advised that survivors be accepted and cared for to encourage them continue with their medications and complete same on schedule and informed that TB medications are free to access, assuring that on completion of the prescription, the ailment will be completely cured.
According to him, Nigeria ranks as the number six high burdened TB nation in the world, noting that there are about 590 new cases every year. He explained that one person can infect 10 to 15 others in a community because it is highly communicable, especially in an air-conditioned room.
Explaining that many cases of TB are often HIV related, he adds that Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium. It can spread through close contact with people who have TB and have symptoms (active TB). When someone with active TB coughs, they release small droplets containing the bacteria. 'You can catch TB if you regularly breathe in these droplets over a long period of time'.
Cross River State Coordinator of BreakThrough Action Nigeria, Pascaline Edim in a her remark stressed the need for more awareness, saying that people should constantly be screened or tested.
“There’s need for spread of TB to be cut through steady awareness program and regular testing and counseling sessions.
“People should be made to have correct knowledge of causes and mode of transmission of TB.
“Society leaders and religious leaders and the media should constantly embark on mass information about TB in our localities,” she said.
READ MORE: https://nigerdeltaconnect.com/ndconnect/nigeria-records-39-mpox-cases-expects-10000-doses-ncdc
