Korede Abdullah in Lagos
To mark World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Akwa Ibom State has launched a vigorous public awareness campaign to educate residents on the realities of the disease and how to prevent its spread.
Addressing journalists and Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) in Uyo, the NOA state director, Mr. Mkpoutom, explained that tuberculosis is “a contagious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body.”
He emphasized that “TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks,” highlighting the urgent need for widespread public education.
During the event, Mr. Mkpoutom outlined preventive measures residents should adopt, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ensuring proper ventilation in homes and workplaces, maintaining good hand hygiene, practicing social distancing, and wearing face masks in public areas.
He also stressed the importance of vaccination, noting that the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine plays a critical role in protecting children against severe TB infections.
Encouraging early action, he advised residents experiencing persistent cough, fever, or unexplained weight loss for more than two weeks to seek immediate testing at public health facilities.
Stressing the need for collective responsibility, Mkpoutom appealed to journalists, NOA officers, and the general public to help drive TB awareness across all communities. “Tuberculosis is curable, but treatment must be taken seriously and followed strictly,” he warned.
In his closing remarks, he urged everyone to join in the campaign, saying, “Let us all be part of the fight against TB. Get tested, stay informed and educate others.”
