A Non-Governmental Organization, the Rainbow Watch and Development Centre has called on the Nigerian government to create more awareness about Tuberculosis to curb the spread of the disease in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of Rainbow Watch and Development Centre Michael Gbarale in a statement to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, urged State and Federal Government to invest more funds in the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis in Nigeria.
The statement lamented that the disease still claims countless lives each year, particularly in marginalized communities with limited access to quality healthcare services and information.
” The Rainbow Watch and Development Centre firmly believes that the first step towards eliminating TB lies in creating widespread awareness among communities. Through education campaigns, we aim to inform and empower people about the signs, symptoms, and preventative measures of TB. By encouraging individuals to seek healthcare services promptly and fostering a culture of early diagnosis, we can minimize the impact of the disease and save countless lives”.
”However, awareness alone is not sufficient. The battle against TB demands comprehensive support from governmental bodies. Rainbow Watch and Development Centre calls on State Governments to prioritize the fight against TB by allocating dedicated funding and resources to diagnose, treat, and prevent the spread of the disease. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and supporting research initiatives, we can effectively combat and eradicate TB from our communities” he said.
The Group further encourages individuals with suspected TB cases to seek healthcare services for early diagnosis to minimize the impact of the disease and save lives.
The Executive Director of Rainbow Watch and Development Centre also appeals to all stakeholders to unite in the fight against TB by leveraging their collective resources to eliminate tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Our correspondent reports that the theme of the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day Celebration is ‘Yes, We Can End It,”