By Queen Kunde
Stakeholders have called for an end to tuberculosis (TB) stigma at the community level and urged residents, especially those in slum areas, to prioritise hygiene as a key step in preventing the spread of the disease.
The call was made during a free health outreach held in Mabushi, Abuja, where hundreds of residents were screened for TB, HIV and malaria.
The outreach, organised by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria in collaboration with partners, formed part of activities marking World Tuberculosis Day.
Speaking at the event, Programme Officer of the Dawn of Life Foundation (DOLF), Philip Inyang, stressed the importance of maintaining proper hygiene, particularly in densely populated and underserved communities.
He noted that slum areas remain high-risk environments for TB transmission due to poor sanitary conditions, urging residents to take cleanliness seriously to reduce infection and spread.
Inyang added that a significant number of presumptive TB cases were identified during the outreach, assuring that follow-up activities would be carried out to ensure those affected receive proper care.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), Deborah Ike, called on traditional and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns on TB, particularly in addressing stigma and supporting the reintegration of survivors.
She emphasised that discrimination remains a major barrier to early diagnosis and treatment, urging communities to create a supportive environment for those affected.
Earlier, hundreds of residents of Mabushi community benefited from the outreach, which provided free screening and testing services as part of efforts to bring healthcare closer to the grassroots.
In his remarks, the District Head of Mabushi, represented by Mr. Danjuma Tella, commended the organisers for choosing the community and encouraged residents to adhere to medical advice and health education provided.
Dr. Dan Gasama of the FCT Public Health Department also highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling TB, noting that the disease remains a significant public health concern despite being preventable and curable.
He said Mabushi was selected due to its high TB burden and stressed the role of communities in early detection, reducing stigma and supporting treatment adherence.
Gasama further revealed that in 2025, the FCT recorded over 40,000 suspected TB cases, with 3,679 confirmed and treated, describing the figures as a reflection of lives saved.
Partners at the event, including the World Health Organization, called for sustained joint efforts to end TB, noting that the disease is closely linked to HIV, malnutrition and poverty.
They emphasised the need for integrated healthcare services and sustained investment to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to timely diagnosis and quality treatment.
The outreach also featured health education sessions and multiple screening points, with stakeholders reiterating the need for collective action to eliminate tuberculosis.
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