By BLESSING IBEGBU

Associate Prof. John Bimba, Director of Zankli Research Centre, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa, said Nigeria ranks first in Africa and sixth globally for tuberculosis (TB) prevalence. He spoke through Dr Aminu Babayi during World TB Day 2026 on Tuesday in Nasarawa.

The event, themed “Led by Zankli Research Centre; powered by Communities,” commemorates March 24, the day Dr Robert Koch discovered the TB-causing bacterium in 1882, and aimed to raise awareness and honour those who have died from this curable disease.

Bimba explained that TB was caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and had existed for more than 10,000 years, earning names such as consumption disease, wasting disease, King’s evil, white plague, and phthisis across history.

He said TB remained the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent globally.

In 2024, an estimated 10.7 million people contracted TB: 5.8 million men, 3.7 million women, and 1.2 million children.

Bimba highlighted that TB spreads through respiratory droplets, and while precautions like coughing into elbows or handkerchiefs reduced transmission, droplets could survive on surfaces depending on ventilation, humidity, and sunlight.

He advised regular handwashing, use of hand sanitiser, and ending stigma against TB patients, noting the disease was curable within six months.

“Chronic cough, unexplained fever, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes are key symptoms.

“To fight TB effectively, there must be high suspicion, free TB testing, treatment, and preventive kits. Improved awareness will significantly reduce the disease burden,” he said, urging communities to act promptly on symptoms.

Prof. Toyosi Adekeye of Light Consortium, Bingham University, said the event reflected on research efforts addressing TB, particularly targeting men who are more affected despite women attending screenings more frequently.

He emphasised the need for targeted approaches, noting that untreated men risk reinfecting family members.

“Programmes consider barriers such as time constraints and competing responsibilities that prevent men from accessing treatment.”

Adekeye stressed community engagement, working with leaders to raise awareness, and informing Nigerians that TB screening, testing, and treatment are free.

“Early identification of symptoms like prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss is vital.

“Light Consortium, a six-year cross-disciplinary global health program funded by UK Aid, operates in Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, and the UK.

“It generates evidence to transform gender-sensitive approaches to TB care and improve health, socio-economic, and equity outcomes.” (NAN)

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