NTBLCP Reiterates TB Test, Treatment Free In Nigeria
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Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director and National Coordinator, National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer,
and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), has reiterated that Tuberculosis (TB) test and treatment are free in Nigeria.
He made the emphasis during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said “anyone coughing for two weeks or more should call 3340 for free TB test.”
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spreads from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air.
He called on Nigerians to spread the word and save lives to end TB in the country, cautioning that persons with active TB disease in their lungs could spread it through the air.
He explained that “what I mean by active is that the TB germs are multiplying and spreading in the body. If you’re in close contact with someone who has it, you can be infected.
“If you have TB germs in your body but they haven’t become active, you have what doctors call `latent TB.’ You can’t spread the disease to others, but your doctor may still recommend that you take medications to keep the germs from becoming active.”
The tools, he added, were recent innovations to support the country in closing the gap in missing tuberculosis and drug-resistant cases and help the country in the treatment of Latent TB infection.
Anyaike said the new tools would be distributed to 18 states in the country, including Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina.
(NAN)
https://nnn.ng/ntblcp-reiterates-test/
