The Initiative for Prevention and Control of Diseases (IPCD) has issued a call for urgent local action and funding in response to alarming tuberculosis (TB) statistics in Nigeria. A capacity-building meeting organized by the IPCD in Owerri, Imo State, emphasized the critical need to bridge the local funding gap for TB treatment. The meeting revealed that only 30% of the annual TB treatment budget is covered by government and international funds, leaving a staggering 70% gap that endangers countless lives.
TB Statistics in Nigeria
Nigeria holds the unenviable position of having the highest TB burden in Africa and ranks sixth globally. In 2023 alone, Nigeria reported over 361,000 TB cases, which underscores the gravity of the situation according to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa. This substantial number indicates a significant increase in reported cases, thanks to enhanced detection and reporting efforts. However, underdiagnosis and underreporting remain major challenges.
The Funding Crisis
The IPCD’s meeting revealed a concerning trend: several states have failed to meet their funding obligations for TB treatment. Imo State, for instance, has not disbursed any funds from its budgeted N30 million for 2023, leaving TB treatment entirely dependent on donor funding. This dependency is precarious, as it costs approximately N1.5 million to treat a single TB patient, an amount that even high-income earners struggle to afford without assistance.
Human Impact
The human toll of TB is severe. In Imo State, for every 100,000 people, 209 are TB patients. The lack of funding not only jeopardizes patient care but also increases the risk of disease transmission. TB patients often fail to continue their medication due to financial constraints, exacerbating the spread of the disease.
Advocacy for Local Funding
IPCD Programme Officer, Policy Alert, Edidiong Dickson emphasized the importance of local involvement in TB eradication efforts. He stressed that local participation is crucial, especially in states like Imo, where TB patients frequently miss their medication due to insufficient follow-up and resources.
“We need local support to ensure consistent medication and follow-up for TB patients,” Edidiong said. “The government, private organizations, and individuals must come together to raise the necessary funds to meet our budgetary obligations.”
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
Preventive measures are key to controlling TB spread. Public awareness campaigns must educate communities on the importance of early detection and treatment adherence. Moreover, revitalizing treatment centers and ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the patient load is essential. Reducing the stigma associated with TB is also crucial, as it encourages more people to seek timely medical attention.
Call to Action
The IPCD is organizing workshops and advocacy visits to stakeholders in Imo State to raise awareness and galvanize action. They urge the government to fulfill its funding promises and ensure a significant percentage of the budget is allocated and disbursed for TB treatment annually.
“The government must step up its efforts to combat TB. We need sustainable funding and resources to provide comprehensive care to TB patients,” Pius Okaneme, the IPCD Program Manager added. “This is a call to action for everyone – let’s work together to eradicate TB from our communities.”
Conclusion
The TB crisis in Nigeria, and particularly in Imo State, requires immediate and sustained action. Bridging the funding gap, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness are critical steps towards a TB-free Nigeria. The IPCD’s initiative serves as a vital reminder that local involvement and support are essential in this fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
