Daily Post Nigeria Health experts caution against discriminating against TB survivors Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Health Health experts caution against discriminating against TB survivors Published on August 16, 2024 By Asare Asare Family members, work place colleagues and other members of the public have been cautioned against stigmatising or discriminating against Tuberculosis, TB, survivors. Dr Bassey Offor, Director of Cross River State Tuberculosis Programme, represented by Mr Eugene Ajegi, said continual stigmatization has made many TB survivors to relapse into mental depression, isolation and other psychological consequences. Offor spoke in a lecture on the topic, ‘The Role of Media in Addressing TB Stigma and Discrimination’ in Calabar on Friday.
He argued that it was very wrong for survivors to be discriminated against or stigmatized. According to him, such actions have implications on survivors’ psyche, and often lead them to non-disclosure of their condition or becoming reclusive. He advised that survivors be accepted and cared for to encourage them to continue with their medications and complete same on schedule.
In the same vein, he disclosed that TB medications are free to access, assuring that on completion of the prescription, the ailment will be completely cured. According to Offor, Nigeria ranks as the number six high burdened TB nation in the world. He noted that there are 590 new cases every year in Nigeria.
He said one person can in.
