DEBRICHE Health Development Centre (DHDC) has teamed up with the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP) to celebrate 2024 Children’s Day with a health initiative.
The collaboration focuses on community-based Tuberculosis (TB) testing aimed at raising TB awareness and providing essential health services to families.
At the launch of the initiative at the Chief’s Palace in Durumi 1, Abuja, on Monday, Mrs Deborah Ikeh, Executive Director of DHDC, highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in the campaign.
“Our partnership with the NTBLCP and other organisations is vital for the success of this initiative,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TB is a significant public health challenge, with Nigeria having the highest burden in Africa.
A substantial proportion of TB cases reported in Nigeria affects children.
In 2023, approximately nine per cent of the reported TB cases were in children, reflecting a significant gap in case detection and reporting.
Early testing and treatment are crucial to controlling the spread of TB and protecting children’s health
Ikeh said that through such a collaboration, Nigeria could reach more communities and ensure that children would receive needed testing and care.
“This is why our funders, Stop TB Partnership Geneva, saw today as an important day to get more children tested, and create the necessary awareness.
“On Children’s Day, we are organising a series of events, including educational sessions on TB prevention and free testing for children and their families.
“This initiative underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of tuberculosis, particularly in vulnerable populations,” she said.
She emphasised the critical role of community engagement in combating TB.
“By bringing these services directly to the community, we hope to identify cases early and reduce the spread of this infectious disease,” she said.
She said that the team would make use of the OneImpact App, a digital platform that can be used, especially by those affected by TB, to report, track and respond to issues relating to availability and accessibility of quality services in Nigeria.
“The app is built to improve accessibility and availability and enhance the quality of TB care and support services in the country.
“Early detection and treatment of tuberculosis are crucial, especially in children, who are more vulnerable to the disease’s severe impacts.
“Campaigns like this not only provide immediate health benefits but also contribute to the long-term goal of eradicating TB in Nigeria,” Ikeh said.
Dr Ngozi Ebisike, Manager of FCT TB Programmes, also a partner, said that the initiative would feature free TB testing outreaches at various locations, providing vital services to children and the broader community.
Ebisike explained that the FCT TB Programme and its partners aimed to use the opportunity to enhance TB awareness and encourage early detection and treatment.
She said that gap in TB detection was mostly among children due to poor awareness among families and communities as well as inadequate manpower to detect childhood TB.
She said that the weeklong event showed the commitment of the Federal Government and the partners to combat TB in the country.
She emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment to curb TB spread.
NAN reports that the event was well-attendewd received by the community, with many parents expressing gratitude for the health service.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other partners, has been implementing various initiatives to improve TB detection and treatment, focusing on innovative strategies and community-based approaches.
