A non-governmental organisation, PLAN Health Advocacy and Developmental Foundation (PLAN Foundation) has said the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) is far from over.
The foundation made this known Wednesday at a media briefing in Ibadan to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day held at Academy Suite.
Addressing the media on behalf of the foundation, Mrs Ifedayo Osemwegie, pointed out that TB still remains a formidable global health challenge.
“Despite significant progress in TB control efforts, including improved diagnostic and treatment options, the fight against TB is far from over. Tuberculosis remains a formidable global health challenge, causing immense suffering and claiming millions of lives each year.
“TB is a contagious bacterial infection, primarily affecting the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, it spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, making it highly transmissible.
“Understanding TB is crucial in devising effective strategies to combat it. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB, typically attacks the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. If left untreated, TB can be vatal. Moreover, the emergence of drug-resistant strains, such as multi drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug resistant TB (XDR-TB), poses an additional challenge to TB control efforts.
“One promising approach in the battle against TB is the development and implementation of shorter treatment regimens. Traditional TB treatment involves a lengthy course of antibiotics taken over six to nine months, which can pose significant challenge for patients in terms of adherence and completion.”
