TB OUTREACH HITS COMMUNITIES, SCREENS 800 IN FCT

By Queen Kunde

A major tuberculosis (TB) awareness and testing drive has reached hundreds of residents and schoolchildren in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as health workers step beyond clinics to tackle the disease at community level.

The outreach, led by Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC) in partnership with the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and supported by the Stop TB Partnership, was carried out to mark the 2026 World TB Day.

Teams were deployed to Karshi community and Dutsen Alhaji in Bwari Area Council, where they provided free TB education, screening, and on-the-spot testing to residents, including pupils and teachers.

Tuberculosis remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria, especially when undetected or poorly treated, increasing the risk of drug-resistant strains. Health experts say taking services directly to communities is key to protecting vulnerable populations.

During the exercise, more than 800 people were screened. Of this number, 69 were identified as presumptive TB cases and referred for further clinical investigation. Those confirmed positive have been linked to treatment, care, and support services, while contact tracing is ongoing.

Executive Director of DHDC, Deborah Ikeh, described the outcome as encouraging, noting that early detection helps break the chain of transmission and reduces the spread of drug-resistant TB.

Officials of the FCT TB Programme also praised the initiative. Childhood TB Focal Person, Titilayo Ilesanmi, said the outreach aligns with national targets for World TB Day and highlights the importance of collaboration among partners.

At Karshi, Head Teacher Shafiratu Inua Adha said the programme had improved awareness among students and staff, urging communities to stop stigmatizing people living with TB.

The intervention received logistical and financial support from partners including the Humana People to People Foundation.

Health experts say such grassroots efforts are vital as Nigeria continues its fight against tuberculosis, helping to close gaps in access to care and move closer to the goal of eliminating the disease.