Nigeria Records 200,000 Tuberculosis Cases Annually – WHO

By Precious Nwonu

In the heart of Enugu South, a quiet crisis unfolds. Sandra, Margret, and Ebube (not their real names) silently battle tuberculosis (TB), a disease that not only threatens their health but also their dignity, relationships, and livelihoods. Fear of stigma drives them to travel miles, hiding their condition from prying eyes, as they seek treatment in distant health centers.

Sandra, 25, recalls the shock of her diagnosis. “It was hard initially. In this country, when you’re diagnosed with TB, it’s like a death sentence,” she says, her voice heavy with emotion. The stigma surrounding TB is palpable, and its impact is devastating. Friends and family members shun her, fearing infection, leaving Sandra feeling isolated and ashamed.

Margret, a widow and petty trader, faces a different challenge. The cost of transportation to the health center and the expensive supplement that accompanies her TB drugs is a significant burden. “I was told the supplement would help me recover faster, but I can’t afford it,” she says, her voice laced with desperation.

Ebube, a trader in her early forties, travels 25.2 kilometers to the Eastern Nigeria Medical Center (ENMC) for treatment. “People around me where I live knew I had TB. They saw the pain I went through before my diagnosis, but they didn’t avoid me. Instead, they showed love, care, and concern,” she says, grateful for the support.

However, not all women are as fortunate. The National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) reports that stigma remains one of the biggest reasons people refuse to get tested or complete their treatment. Women, in particular, bear the brunt of this stigma, facing social rejection, emotional suffering, and even divorce.

Dr. Odo Chidebere, Programme Manager for TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Enugu State Ministry of Health, explains that TB cases are rising in Enugu, and the disease is highly communicable. “The burden of TB is high not only in Enugu but across Nigeria as a whole,” she says.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Nigeria records over 200,000 new TB infections annually, making it one of the top ten countries with the highest TB cases globally. Treatment coverage has improved, but stigma remains a significant barrier to accessing care.

Justina Odoh, TB Focal Person for Enugu South LGA, emphasizes the need for awareness and education. “We keep going out to create awareness and conduct case searches in communities, churches, markets, etc., to let people know about this disease,” she says.

The stories of Sandra, Margret, and Ebube highlight the urgent need for support and understanding. TB is not a death sentence; it is a curable disease. However, stigma, fear, and lack of access to care perpetuate the cycle of suffering.

As Dr. Odo notes, “Stigmatization is really a challenge because people feel that just talking with someone with TB will infect them… It’s a fight — we create awareness so that people will know it’s not by hugging, talking, kissing, or shaking someone infected.”

The time for change is now. We must break the silence surrounding TB, challenge stigma, and support women like Sandra, Margret, and Ebube. Together, we can create a world where TB is no longer a source of shame, but a reminder of our shared humanity and resilience.