Tuberculosis Campaign: BA-N Trains Media, Begins Advocacy and Sensitization in Osun
By Abisola Ariwodola,
Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N), a USAID flagship on social and behavior change project has begin its campaign by training media personnel in Osun state on Tuberculosis disease, symptoms and treatment.
This is as it begins its Tuberculosis advocacy and sensitization, to bring the disease to the barest minimum, zero TB.
At the one-day Tuberculosis media training, organized in collaboration with the ministry of health, held at Royal Intercontinental hotel in the state capital, the convener, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, represented by Mrs. Adebisi Adetunji, outlined the objectives of the training, including enhancing media personnel’s understanding of TB control efforts, increasing media coverage of TB, and strengthening collaboration between the media and the state TB team.
She stated that the contagious disease transmitted from bacteria, infects both adult and children, adding that it is a treatable and curable disease.
Mrs Adetunji who lauded Osun state government for access to qualitative healthcare delivery, pinpointed, that findings on their part reveals that the treatment of Tuberculosis is free, adding that the TB testing is also free and available at government facilities in the state.
She declared the readiness of Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N), a USAID flagship on social and behavior change project, to begin tuberculosis sensitization which include radio talk show among others, in radio and television stations in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, urged the selected media personnel in Osun state, to make health coverage and reportage a priority, adding that it is important to partner with the state government through the Ministry of Health.
He reiterated the proactive measures of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the health sector, stressing the need for consistent media engagement to effectively communicate the government’s impacts in provision of healthcare services to people across the state.
Listing the achievements of Osun state government at the program, the Commissioner represented by Dr. Hakeem Bello opined the importance of media support in raising awareness about Tuberculosis, emphasizing that early detection is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications.
Thanking Breakthrough Action Nigeria for their partnership, he affirmed the availability of government commodities and drugs for Tuberculosis treatment which he termed curable.
Also speaking, the Osun state Program Manager for Tuberculosis, Dr. Deji Gbadamosi, highlighted the burden and control of Tuberculosis in the state and Nigeria at large, he advocate the need for increased media coverage to educate the public about TB symptoms, treatment, prevention measures and risk factors.
Dr. Gbadamosi asserted that Tuberculosis is preventable and treatable, stating that practicing a good hygiene and seeking early treatment through medical attention in important, and he called on carriers of Tuberculosis to go to the nearest state facilities and private hospitals, the moment they notice the symptoms, which include, vomiting, diaheria, persistent coughing among others.
Participants at the media workshop include: General Manager of Diamond FM Ilesa, Station Manager Orisun FM, Gold FM (Radio Nigeria), OSBC Radio, Prints as well as Online media among others.