The Nigerian government is calling on young people to join the fight against Tuberculosis by using their social media platforms and personal influence to raise awareness about the dangers of undiagnosed and untreated TB. Dr. Jamila Amin, Head of Advocacy and Social Mobilisation at the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme, emphasized the importance of young people in spreading accurate information about TB to their peers and the wider population.

At a recent TB advocacy meeting with young volunteers, Dr. Amin urged them to actively participate in advocacy efforts to increase the detection and treatment of TB cases and break the cycle of new infections. She highlighted the significance of targeting young people, who are highly mobile and active on social media, as key allies in controlling the spread of the disease.

Debrah Ike, Executive Director of Debriche Health Development Centre, emphasized the need to leverage the energy and influence of young people to overcome barriers to ending TB in Nigeria. She stressed the importance of raising awareness about the treatability and preventability of TB, as only 30% of people are currently aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Despite progress in TB awareness, Dr. Bertrand Odume of KNCV Nigeria raised concerns about the persistent stigma surrounding the disease. He lamented that many Nigerians still believe TB is incurable and associated with witchcraft, leading to stigmatization and discrimination against TB patients. Dr. Odume emphasized the role of social media influencers in addressing these barriers and encouraging people to seek care without fear of judgment or discrimination.

By empowering young people to advocate for TB awareness and challenging misconceptions about the disease, Nigeria aims to control the spread of TB and ensure that all individuals have access to timely and effective treatment. Through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, the country is working towards a future where TB is no longer a threat to public health.