Experts push community-based TB interventions after FCT outreach findings
Public health experts and tuberculosis (TB) advocates have called for intensified community-based interventions, stressing that such programmes are critical to early detection, reduced transmission, and improved access to TB services
- From Dele Anofi Abuja
Public health experts and tuberculosis (TB) advocates have called for intensified community-based interventions, stressing that such programmes are critical to early detection, reduced transmission, and improved access to TB services as Nigeria works to eliminate the disease as a public health threat.
The call followed data from an outreach by the Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), in collaboration with the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and other partners. This outreach delivered TB awareness, screening, and testing services to underserved communities and schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
Advertisement
300x250
The outreach screened over 800 persons, including children and teachers, identifying 69 as presumptive cases requiring further clinical evaluation.
The outreach, conducted as part of activities marking World Tuberculosis Day 2026, was led by the DHDC in collaboration with partners and supported by the Stop TB Partnership, targeting rural and densely populated communities, including Karshi and Dutsen Alhaji in Bwari Area Council, with teams providing on-the-spot screening and testing services.
The organisers said the intervention was aimed at addressing gaps in access to TB services, particularly among vulnerable populations who may not present at health facilities.
With Tuberculosis remaining a major public health concern in Nigeria, the organisers emphasised that undetected or poorly managed cases contribute to transmission and the emergence of drug-resistant strains.
They said data from the outreach showed that among those screened across the selected communities, individuals identified as presumptive cases were referred for further clinical evaluation, while those confirmed positive have been linked to treatment, care, and support services, with contact tracing ongoing to prevent further spread.
Advertisement
300x250
"Every person with TB identified early represents a transmission chain broken and a proactive strike against the complex challenge of drug-resistant TB.
“We are excited about the outcome of this intervention,” said Deborah Ikeh, Executive Director, DHDC, Nigeria.
On her part, Dr Titilayo Ilesanmi, Childhood TB Focal Person for the FCT TB Programme, said the initiative aligns with national targetsr, “This fieldwork aligns directly with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme targets for World TB Day 2026 and we are delighted to have partners like DHDC, ARFH, and KNCV Nigeria with us on this journey".
A school headteacher in Karshi, Shafiratu Inua Adha, described the exercise as impactful, saying, “This programme is an eye opener for all of us here in this school. We are now better informed of TB, its signs and symptoms and the help that is available. People with TB are not to be stigmatized.
"I call on community members to consider them as humans like us.”
The organisers noted that sustained logistical and financial support from partners, including UNOPS and Humana People to People Foundation, remains critical to expanding such grassroots interventions.
