In an effort to tackle tuberculosis and leprosy, the Bauchi state government has through its Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, commenced public mobilization with a view to finding active cases in market places and tuberculosis hotspots.
This has been done in collaboration with two USAID funded projects, USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria BA-N and KNCV Foundation.
The program also seeks to promote correct knowledge about the causes, mode of transmission and treatment of TB as well as how to take samples of Suspected TB cases.
At the Mararraban Liman Katagum cattle market in Bauchi state where a campaign against tuberculosis took place, the Team Leader and Senior Program Officer KNCV Foundation, Dr Simon Mafwalal said TB just like COVID-19 is airborne.
According to him, there is the need for the awareness campaign to ensure people are safe and the disease is stopped from spreading.
Dr Mafwalal who listed some of the symptoms of TB to include wet cough, weight loss among others further said that the virus can only be detected through Chest X-ray and taking samples of mucos saliva for testing.
He urged people with symptoms of the disease to report to the nearest health care facility for further examination to ensure the safety and well-being of people around them.
Speaking, the Chairman Mararaban Liman Katagum Cattle Market, Alhaji Ahmadu Dabo who expressed delight over the initiative, promised the support of his members to enable the program to succeed.
Earlier the State Project Coordinator USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, BA-N, Usman Muhammad said the program is aimed at ensuring that people get the right information about TB and other related diseases to improve their well-being.
WikkiTimes reports that the Active Case Finding strategy seeks to find people who have suspected TB cases by going to their places instead of waiting for them to come to the hospital.
It also gathered that over 900 people tested positive to TB in the last quarter across Bauchi State.
