The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has inaugurated a campaign against tuberculosis (TB) and stigmatization in Jigawa State.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on tuberculosis in Dutse on Wednesday, the agency’s Director, Mr Ahmad Tijjani, said the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the causes and prevention of TB.
He added that the campaign also sought to combat the stigma associated with the disease.
Tijjani noted that many TB patients remained silent due to fear of rejection and stigmatisation by members of their communities and even their own families.
He assured that the agency would continue to educate the public against stigmatising TB patients, encouraging them to seek medical attention without fear.
“It is important for families, friends, and communities to show love, care, and encouragement to TB victims, so they feel secure in their communities,” Tijjani said.
He added that the campaign was designed to reduce the spread of TB and eliminate the social stigma that often prevented timely treatment.
“Stigmatisation is harmful. Apart from battling the disease, victims suffer emotional distress when they are rejected or sidelined by others,” he said.
Tijjani urged the public to show compassion to TB patients and support their recovery.
According to him, the campaign will run from May to September and will target school children, traditional and religious leaders, and the general public.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Health Education at the Jigawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr Sani Yusuf emphasised that TB was both curable and preventable.
He encouraged those infected to seek medical care promptly.
Yusuf explained that tuberculosis was transmitted through the air when an infected person coughed, sneezed, or talked.
Yusuf explained that tuberculosis was transmitted through the air when an infected person coughed, sneezed, or talked.
He urged the NOA to continue sensitising the public about TB symptoms so people could identify and act on suspected cases early.
He advised residents to seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, or night sweats.
The event was attended by representatives from the ministries of health and education, religious institutions, people with disabilities, media, and other stakeholders.
NAN
