Introduction to Tuberculosis Testing and Counselling in Akwa Ibom
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has carried out tuberculosis testing and counselling for no fewer than 200 persons in Akwa Ibom. The exercise, which took place at Nnung Udoe, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, was used to raise awareness against tuberculosis in the state.
The Exercise and Its Objectives
The exercise was AHF’s commitment to empowering communities to take charge and drive the process of their healthcare and wellness. Mr Steve Aborisade, AHF Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, said that there was need for members of the public to be sensitised to TB signs and symptoms. Through the Power Voices, an AHF Africa community advocacy club, communities could take ownership of advocacy on health issues affecting them.
The Role of Power Voices
The Power Voices are made up of individuals who are passionate about their communities. They are individuals that are committed to work for the good of the community, and to advance their health interests. They do this through awareness creation, education and advocacy. This is important because community ownership is critical to health project implementation and acceptance.
Collaboration with Other Stakeholders
Aborisade stated that AHF would continue to support communities to actively collaborate with other stakeholders to tackle health challenges. Miss Jessica Umoh, the Akwa Ibom Linkage Coordinator, said that the exercise was to educate the community about the signs, symptoms and treatment for tuberculosis. Umoh said that it was important to inform the public that tuberculosis was curable, and not a death sentence.
Free Testing and Treatment
We are here in collaboration with KNCV Nigeria, we are collecting the sputum samples and analysing for the patients. The testing is free. Anyone found to be tuberculosis positive will be given free treatment. We must not also forget that TB treatment is free in public health facilities. She warned TB patients against the use of herbal concoction for treatment of the disease.
Community Response
Some members of the community who were tested and counselled, commended AHF Nigeria for the exercise and described it as a good omen.
Conclusion
The tuberculosis testing and counselling exercise carried out by AHF Nigeria in Akwa Ibom is a step in the right direction. It highlights the importance of community ownership and collaboration in tackling health challenges. The fact that tuberculosis is curable and that treatment is free in public health facilities is a message that needs to be amplified.
FAQs
Q: What is the main objective of the tuberculosis testing and counselling exercise carried out by AHF Nigeria in Akwa Ibom?
A: The main objective of the exercise is to raise awareness against tuberculosis in the state and to empower communities to take charge of their healthcare and wellness.
Q: What is the role of Power Voices in the exercise?
A: Power Voices is an AHF Africa community advocacy club that allows communities to take ownership of advocacy on health issues affecting them.
Q: Is tuberculosis treatment free?
A: Yes, tuberculosis treatment is free in public health facilities.
Q: What is the warning given to TB patients?
A: TB patients are warned against the use of herbal concoction for treatment of the disease.
