The World Health Organisation (WHO) has committed to assisting Enugu State in its battle against Tuberculosis (TB) and working towards the elimination of the disease within the state.
Dr. Ufuoma Aduh, the National Professional Officer for Tuberculosis at WHO, South-East Enugu, assured that WHO would secure additional grants to aid Enugu State, emphasising plans to conduct mobile roadshows in the coming months to raise awareness about TB and promote the importance of seeking treatment.
Highlighting the curability and preventability of TB, Aduh stressed the need for collective efforts to eradicate the disease, noting WHO’s global role in providing technical support for TB control initiatives.
He expressed concern about Nigeria’s significant TB burden, with Enugu State still facing substantial challenges. Despite no new TB cases reported, Aduh emphasised the importance of sustained efforts to combat the disease to prevent its devastating effects on the populace.
Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the Wife of the Enugu State Governor, commended TB control partners in the state, including WHO, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association (GLRA), and CARITAS Catholic Foundation of Nigeria, for their contributions.
Mbah affirmed her commitment to ending TB in the state and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at achieving this goal. She highlighted TB’s status as a significant global killer disease and urged proactive measures to address it.
Dr. Emmanuel Obi, the Commissioner for Health, urged individuals experiencing chronic coughs to seek medical attention promptly and emphasised the availability of treatment facilities across the state.
Dr. Chidiebere Odo, the Programme Manager for TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Programme in Enugu State, stated the importance of raising awareness about TB due to its high burden in society. He encouraged collective efforts to spread information about TB symptoms and treatment options, noting the extensive network of treatment facilities available in the state.