By Hassan Zaggi
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been advised to improve their health seeking behavior by going to the health facility for check-up so that ailments can be detected early and treated.
The Dakachi of Mabushi- a suburb in the FCT, James Isaji, made the call on Monday, when officials of the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) were at the community to create awareness about TB and also provide free testing and treatment services.
The outreach was part of activities to mark the 2022 World TB day.
The community leader particularly called on the residents of the area to take advantage of the free testing and know their TB status for immediate treatment which is free.
He applauded the NTBLCP for the outreach which, according him, will help kick out TB from the community.
“We are happy that the organisers of this outreach are here to give us awareness and free testing for TB.
“Come out and be tested because it is only when one is tested that he/she can know whether he has the disease or not.
“Anyone you know around your house that has this consistent cough, tell them to come out and be tested for them to get medication free. TB can kill or make one incapacitated. So let us know joke with,” he stressed.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson of the World TB Day, Dr. Bolatito Ayenigba, said that the NTBLCP was at the Mabushi community to create awareness on the causes, symptoms and prevention of TB and to also provide free testing and treatment to those affected by the disease.
She advised residents of the area to always go to the hospital when they notice any change in their body so that they can receive proper care.
While discouraging them from self medication or buying drugs from the chemist without knowing the source of their health challenge, she insisted visiting the hospital will provide room for proper testing and treatment of the health condition.
Dr. Ayenigba tasked residents of the community to always refer those who have consistent cough and are losing weight for about two weeks to the hospital for TB testing.
“We are here for you to benefit from free testing. We want people to know what TB is all about. We want everybody to be able to refer anybody that is coughing and anyone who is losing weight unnecessarily for testing.
“Sometimes people will be suffering in silence and be going to the chemist and be buying medicine without knowing what the problem is.
“But if you know about TB, you will be in the position to advice the person to go to the hospital to check. It is good for us to always go for checkup,” she said.
While calling for support for those on TB treatment, the World TB Day chairperson said: “We are here today to create awareness so that you can also have the opportunity to test for free. Any one you know that is on TB treatment should be supported, give them the care they need to complete their medicine.”
