As the Global Community observes World Tuberculosis Day today ,24th March,2024, the Senate Committee Chairman on Health, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo DSSRS says Nigerians can check the spread of Tuberculosis by embracing good hygiene practices such as : avoiding crowded spaces, wear nose masks during contact with TB Patients especially :when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.
Dr.Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District ,explained that available statistics show that TB ,as an infectious disease of the lungs, claimed over 1.3 million deaths in 2022 survey .
The former Rivers State Deputy Governor, emphasized the importance of monitoring/ evaluation service delivery Reports, Reform initiatives, and innovations in health Institutions, Parastatals, and Agencies.
Under her leadership, the Senate Committee Chairman on Health enumerated key health Projects and Programs captured in the 2024 Appropriation Acts, which includes initiatives to strengthen preventive TB treatment, Community TB care, and coordination of TB Control, as well as TB/HIV collaborative activities Nationwide.
According to the Havard-Trained Public Physician , the 2024 Appropriation Act also encompasses National TB prevalence Surveys, Implementation Partners on TB, HIV, Malaria, NTDs, NCDS, and the establishment of National TB and Leprosy referral Hospitals and training facilities in Zaria.
This year’s World Tuberculosis Day theme, ” Yes! We can end TB,” underscores the ongoing efforts and awareness campaigns aimed at eradicating the world’s deadliest disease.
