Ibrahim Sulaiman
The National Institute of Public Health and Infectious Diseases (NIPHID), Saye, Zaria, has intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) through a widespread sensitisation campaign across religious centres and primary healthcare facilities in Kaduna State.
The campaign, which targeted Juma’at mosques, churches, and Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in Chikaji, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, aimed at promoting awareness on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of tuberculosis, while encouraging community participation in tackling the disease.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of NIPHID, Dr. Abdullahi Dalhatu Aminu, expressed optimism that tuberculosis can be eliminated if all stakeholders actively engage in its control and prevention.
He stressed that ending the disease requires collective action involving government, communities, and individuals, noting that success can only be achieved when everyone plays a role.
Dr. Aminu explained that the government provides free tuberculosis drugs, as well as testing and diagnostic services across the country. However, he noted that some patients still face challenges in accessing healthcare due to transportation constraints and other basic needs.
The Director-General further revealed that Nigeria ranks fourth globally among countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis and first in Africa, describing the situation as a serious public health concern requiring urgent and coordinated action.
He called on the media to intensify public enlightenment efforts and urged stakeholders to support the fight against tuberculosis through advocacy, funding, and community engagement.
Also speaking, a Consultant Family Physician and Head of Hospital Services, Dr. Umma Aliyu, noted that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable when appropriate measures are taken.
She advised the public to avoid overcrowded environments and ensure proper ventilation in homes and public places as part of preventive measures. She also cautioned against smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, noting that such habits increase the risk of contracting the disease.
Some beneficiaries of the outreach programme expressed appreciation to NIPHID for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
During the campaign, a team of health experts spent a significant part of the day at PHC Chikaji, providing free medical services, including TB screening, testing, and consultations for a large number of residents, both children and adults.
The campaign was held in commemoration of the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day, themed: “We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”