The Society for Family Health (SFH) has raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among children in Kano State.
During a roundtable discussion focused on enhancing child-focused TB care and treatment held by SFH in Kano, pharmacist Jane Adizue, the lead for TB and corporate philanthropy at SFH, highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue.
READ ALSO: SPECIAL REPORT: How Kano government partners USAID to curb Tuberculosis
Adizue stated, “The challenges associated with TB include prompt diagnosis, care, and guidance. We are here today to explore ways to improve treatment for our children.” She emphasized the gravity of the situation in Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state, where childhood TB is widespread.
“We have identified hotspots, but due to poor information and misinformation in the community, people are unaware of the steps to take to ensure their children receive proper diagnosis and treatment.”
She pointed out that Nigeria ranks sixth globally in TB cases, with states like Kano, which have large urban populations, being particularly susceptible to childhood TB. “In Kano State, we have a five per cent TB yield for children, meaning that for every 100 cases, five are children. It is crucial for those affected to seek treatment,” Adizue added.
Dr. Ibrahim Umar, the state programme manager for the TB and leprosy control programme, acknowledged Kano’s high TB burden but noted significant progress in patient detection and treatment. “Kano has the highest burden of TB in Nigeria, and we are making significant strides in detecting and treating patients,” he said.
Umar emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to effectively tackle the issue, given the state’s large population. He also highlighted the availability of facilities for free screening and diagnosis.
The roundtable discussion brought together key stakeholders in Kano State to deliberate on strategies for promoting childhood TB programmes and improving care and treatment. The meeting underscored the importance of accurate information dissemination and community awareness to combat the spread of TB among children.
Adizue reiterated the need for immediate action and cooperation among all stakeholders to address the TB crisis. “We must ensure that our children receive prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment to combat this disease effectively,” she said.
The stakeholders agreed on the importance of continuous engagement and concerted efforts to enhance the quality of care and reduce the TB burden in Kano State.
