By Aaior K. Comfort

Advocacy for Increased Awareness on Treatment and Prevention

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical health challenge in Nigeria, exacerbated by low awareness and limited access to treatment. Many individuals live with TB unknowingly, leading to delayed diagnoses and heightened transmission risks. Despite Nigeria ranking highest in Africa for TB burden, awareness sits at a mere 25%.

Good Health Weekly recently spoke with TB survivors, shedding light on their experiences, struggles, and the urgent need for enhanced awareness and healthcare services.

Survivor Stories: Pain and Ignorance

Abdulsalam Abdulquadri, a TB survivor, recounted his harrowing journey. “I was dying. I could not breathe or sleep well,” he shared, describing how a minor chest pain spiraled into a life-threatening condition. Despite seeking help from traditional healers, his health worsened until he began coughing up blood.

He initially dismissed the pain, thinking it was a result of lifestyle choices. “I didn’t even know what was wrong with me,” he said. His ordeal led him to spiritual healers, but their remedies proved ineffective. It wasn’t until he was taken to a private hospital, misdiagnosed initially, that he finally received the proper treatment for TB.

Kadiri Oluseyi: A Survivor’s Journey

Kadiri Oluseyi’s story reflects a similar struggle. Living with HIV and unaware of her TB infection, she self-medicated with cough syrups until her condition deteriorated. Discrimination and stigma compounded her challenges, leading her to seek spiritual remedies, which only delayed her treatment.

“I passed out and found myself in a hospital,” she recalled. After being diagnosed with both TB and HIV, she faced discrimination from healthcare providers. “I lost my teaching job due to stigma,” Kadiri explained. Despite these hurdles, she persevered, ultimately becoming an advocate for TB and HIV awareness.

The Stigma Surrounding TB

Both Abdulsalam and Kadiri’s experiences highlight the significant stigma associated with TB in Nigeria. This stigma often leads to isolation and delayed treatment, further complicating recovery efforts. Abdulsalam’s realization that he had TB came only after persistent symptoms led him to seek proper medical care.

Health experts emphasize the critical need for increased awareness and education about TB symptoms and treatment. Dr. Olusola Sokoya from the Lagos State TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme noted that only 30% of Nigerians recognize the signs of TB, hindering effective intervention.

Expert Recommendations for Combating TB

At a recent media workshop themed “Strengthening Media Partnership and Collaboration for TB Control in Lagos State,” health officials advocated for better education regarding TB symptoms. They emphasized that successful TB control requires at least 80-90% of the population to be informed.

Mrs. Stella Makpu from the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme highlighted the necessity of private sector involvement in TB initiatives. “TB is a preventable and treatable disease, but it continues to pose a public health threat in Nigeria,” she stated.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The experiences of TB survivors like Abdulsalam and Kadiri underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, improved healthcare access, and reduced stigma surrounding the disease in Nigeria. Experts agree that a collaborative approach, engaging both the public and private sectors, is essential to effectively combat TB and improve the health of Nigerians.

Recent reports indicate that TB is the 13th leading cause of death globally, with Nigeria ranking as one of the top countries for TB cases. As the battle against TB continues, raising awareness and fostering community support remain crucial for reducing the disease’s burden and saving lives.

By Aaior K. Comfort

To combat the high costs associated with curative therapies, Medic Partners Multi Specialist Hospital has launched a range of advanced procedures aimed at preventing medical challenges before they arise. The newly opened multi-specialist wellness center, located in Victoria Island, aims to assist Nigerians in navigating the challenging economic climate by providing preventive care and increasing health awareness.

Focus on Preventive Medicine

The Chief Medical Director and preventive care specialist, Dr. Busola Ayelowo-Eso, stated that the alarming prevalence of preventable diseases in Nigeria inspired the establishment of the center. “Many Nigerians adopt an ‘if it’s not bothering me, why should I worry?’ attitude toward health,” she noted. Dr. Ayelowo-Eso emphasized the need for greater awareness of preventive medicine, pointing out that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual medical check-ups, yet many Nigerians only visit hospitals when they feel unwell.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Medic Partners has invested in advanced diagnostic and treatment services to promote early detection and management. The facility boasts state-of-the-art imaging technologies, including digital X-rays and 4D ultrasounds, which offer high-resolution images for accurate diagnoses. Additionally, it operates a fully automated laboratory that provides comprehensive services, from routine blood work to specialized diagnostics like genetic testing and molecular diagnostics.

The center is equipped with a six-bedded dialysis unit and a fully functional cardiac unit, alongside a comprehensive wellness program.

Commitment to Quality Healthcare

Chief Executive Officer Akin Eso emphasized the center’s focus on exceptional patient experience and adherence to international standards. “We aim to bridge the gap for those seeking quality healthcare locally, thus reducing the need for medical tourism,” he said, highlighting the team’s assembly of top medical experts and technologies.

The facility employs approximately 40 medical professionals and 15 support staff, covering various specialties, including family medicine, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

“At Medic Partners, we are transforming healthcare delivery to ensure quality and personalized care,” Eso affirmed, adding that the center prioritizes seamless and comfortable patient interactions tailored to individual needs.

By Aaior K. Comfort

Dr. Annette Akinsete, the National Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, is dedicated to transforming the narrative around sickle cell disease and improving the lives of those affected. Since 1994, she has played a pivotal role in addressing this health crisis, which has a significant impact on Nigeria, home to one of the largest populations of sickle cell patients globally.

*Childhood Aspirations and Background*

Reflecting on her childhood, Dr. Akinsete recalls a desire to care for others. Initially considering a career in teaching or even the priesthood, her parents encouraged her to pursue medicine. Born in Ibadan and raised in various cities, she attributes much of her character to her strict upbringing by Reverend Sisters during her schooling at Saint Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School in Benin City. She fondly remembers her father, who inspired her with his kindness and support.

*Myths and Facts About Sickle Cell Disease*

Dr. Akinsete aims to dispel common misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disease, which many wrongly attribute to spiritual or supernatural causes. She emphasizes that sickle cell is a hereditary genetic disorder, not caused by witchcraft. The alarming statistic that approximately 500 out of every 1,000 children born with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria do not survive past five years underscores the importance of genetic counseling for couples at risk.

*Passion for Sickle Cell Awareness*

Dr. Akinsete’s commitment to sickle cell advocacy intensified during her tenure as Director for non-communicable diseases at the Federal Ministry of Health. Recognizing the lack of resources allocated to sickle cell compared to diseases like HIV/AIDS, she decided to dedicate her efforts to raising awareness and providing support for sickle cell patients.

*Making a Difference in the Sickle Cell Community*

With the establishment of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr. Akinsete has witnessed significant progress in public perception and awareness of sickle cell disease. Patients now live longer, with improved quality of life, thanks to advancements in treatment and care. She highlights the introduction of Hydroxyurea, a medication that helps reduce the severity of crises, and the establishment of a Stem Cell Transplantation Centre in partnership with reputable institutions, making life-saving treatments more accessible to Nigerians.

*Advancements in Research and Diagnosis*

Dr. Akinsete notes that ongoing research and technological advancements have greatly improved the diagnosis and management of sickle cell disease. The SCFN collaborates with various specialists to enhance patient care, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like HPLC machines and point-of-care testing kits.

*Personal Style and Interests*

When it comes to fashion, Dr. Akinsete prefers a classy and simple approach, valuing timeless pieces over fleeting trends. She enjoys reading, taking walks, and watching movies, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her beauty routine focuses on hydration, believing that true beauty comes from within.

*Current Projects and Future Goals*

Looking ahead, Dr. Akinsete is focused on launching the stem cell transplantation program. With nurses being trained abroad, the SCFN aims to provide local access to life-saving treatments for patients suffering from sickle cell disease. Through her unwavering dedication, Dr. Akinsete is not just changing the narrative of sickle cell in Nigeria but is also paving the way for a brighter future for those affected.