AHEAD Commemorates World Tuberculosis Day in Grand Style

Academy for Health Development in partnership with Paaneah Foundation, Nigeria commemorated World TB Day 2018 themed “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free World” by organising local events to raise awareness about tuberculosis, including the importance of getting tested, adhering to treatment, and the need for new technologies to address the epidemic.

In Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, the team stormed the schools, market places and parks for a week-long campaign to commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day. School students, traders, drivers and members of the community were trained on the subject of tuberculosis. They were enlightened on the life-threatening nature of tuberculosis and the importance of getting tested and adhering to treatment. We provided platforms for participants to ask pertinent questions which ultimately have a bearing on the quality of life they would live. They were also enlightened on important facts about tuberculosis, while myths surrounding tuberculosis were dispelled.

Following the campaign, in conjunction with the TB team of the Local Government we conducted a free TB/HIV screening exercise. Furthermore students, and other members of the community suspected to have TB were requested to provide samples of their sputum for more comprehensive tests and follow-up.

The program was so impactful that the community leaders and school heads expressed immense gratitude to AHEAD for taking up the initiative to commemorate such event for the benefit of the community. In an interview with one of the students, who were the beneficiaries of the event, she noted that the event of the day widened her knowledge about TB. Majority of the students disclosed that prior to the program they had no knowledge on the subject matter of TB and the key facts. They expressed their desire that more of such platforms be created especially for vulnerable populations who are not privileged to assess quality information.