The Nigerian federal Government says its declaring a State of Emergency on childhood tuberculosis in the country, as 77 new cases were recorded, with an annual infection rate put at and 440,000
The National Coordinator of Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP) Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, confirmed this to journalists at the bi-weekly meeting of the federal ministry of Health on covid-19 and other infectious diseases in Abuja.
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Mister Chukeuma describes the situation as worrisome and unacceptable, as Nigeria bears the highest burden of tuberculosis in Africa and the sixth in the world
According to the NTBLCP coordinator, the management of TB in children is characterised by difficulties due to both peculiarities in children and the disease itself.
He also noted that with detailed clinical assessment and strict adherence to the guidelines of the national TB control programme, more cases of TB in children can be prevented, diagnosed, and treated.
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According to him, the capacities of pediatricians and medical officers were being built in the country to improve early diagnosis and prompt treatment of childhood tuberculosis.
Chukwuma says the programme is also collaborating with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to improve on BCG immunisation to primarily protect children from TB, Leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
