Lagos Takes on Latent TB: Expanding Preventive Treatments for High-Risk Groups Worldwide

LAGOS – In order to prevent latent TB infections from developing into active diseases, particularly within high-risk populations such as individuals with HIV and family members who live with TB patients, Lagos State has broadened Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) efforts across three heavily affected local government regions.

Health experts and stakeholders recently revealed that the State has embraced TPT as an proactive approach to prevent TB from spreading within high-risk groups. They highlighted that adopting TPT is part of their forward-thinking strategy against tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB), which spreads through the air, can lie dormant within someone's body for years without displaying any signs. Nevertheless, individuals with compromised immune systems—particularly those who are HIV positive or frequently exposed to infected people—are much more likely to develop active TB. As a result, numerous cases go unnoticed as many carriers remain unaware they have contracted TB.

Tuberculosis continues to be among the most lethal infectious diseases worldwide. During a recent one-day media awareness event for World Tuberculosis Day 2025, organized by Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) Nigeria in Lagos, experts emphasized the critical necessity for enhanced preventive measures against TB.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2023, 10.8 million individuals contracted tuberculosis, resulting in about 1.25 million deaths. Although significant advancements have been made globally, preventing this disease continues to be difficult, particularly in nations heavily affected such as Nigeria.

In Lagos State, the fight against tuberculosis is stepping up, particularly through an emphasis on tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT). This approach aims to prevent latent TB infections from developing into active diseases, particularly targeting individuals living with HIV and those who live with TB patients. Nonetheless, the adoption of this treatment remains low because of insufficient awareness, social stigma, and difficulties in access.

Even though tuberculosis can be cured, preventing it remains difficult. To address this issue, the Lagos State government, via the office of the First Lady, is working alongside local authorities in areas like Ajeromi, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Ikorodu. They aim to incorporate Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) education into neighborhood initiatives. This collaboration seeks to enhance accessibility to TPT services by leveraging primary health care centers along with mobile TB clinics.

Specialists suggest that TPT (1HP) presents a revolutionary approach, with a one-month course significantly lowering the likelihood of contracting tuberculosis. This regimen is considerably easier for patients compared to the conventional six-month preventative therapy.

Dr. Olusola Sokoya, Deputy Director and State TB & Leprosy Control Programme Manager, stated that in Lagos last year, 19,052 tuberculosis cases were identified; however, with expectations reaching around 50,000 cases, approximately 31,000 instances went unnoticed. This year, he anticipates potentially missing about 80,000 cases. In order to address this discrepancy, prevention needs to take center stage. Consequently, Lagos should enhance both preventative measures and therapeutic programs.

Sokoya stated, "Last year in Lagos, we identified 19,052 tuberculosis cases; however, we anticipated discovering around 50,000. Consequently, approximately 31,000 instances were not diagnosed. For this year, we project roughly 80,000 unreported cases. Closing this discrepancy requires prioritizing preventive measures."

Experts caution that with just 38 percent of anticipated cases identified, Lagos must intensify both preventative measures and treatments.

In the meantime, JAAIDS Nigeria is spearheading the IMPAACT4TB Project Phase 2, with support from the AURUM Institute and UNITAID. This initiative aims to adopt a Family and Household Contact Approach, making sure that individuals closely connected to tuberculosis patients—such as family members and caretakers—are able to receive free short-course preventive therapy (1HP) at specified healthcare facilities.

Highlighting the importance of increased awareness, Dr. Sokoya noted that numerous individuals remain unaware that tuberculosis can be thwarted through medication. He emphasized that TPT is beneficial not only for those experiencing symptoms but also for those who might be vulnerable to the disease before showing signs. "It’s crucial that we encourage more people to come forward and benefit from this potentially lifesaving therapy."

Sokoya mentioned that to increase participation, the project has been prolonged until March 2025. This extension aims to incorporate community engagement initiatives in Ajeromi, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Ikorodu. Additional efforts will involve distributing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) resources to inform the public, as well as conducting media campaigns aimed at debunking misconceptions and promoting preventative measures.

Dr. Ime Okon, the Medical Director and Secretary of the Lagos State Stop TB Partnership, similarly pointed out that tuberculosis continues to be heavily stigmatized, leading many individuals to avoid seeking medical care due to fears of discrimination.

He observed that tuberculosis survivors are coming forward to educate communities and provide support to patients in order to tackle the stigma surrounding the disease.

This mirrors what Oluseyi Kadiri, a TB survivor and the Lagos Coordinator for TB People, does as she channels her energy into assisting others to finish their treatment and obtain preventative care.

Kadiri also pointed out the One Impact mobile application, enabling users to evaluate their tuberculosis risk, find nearby TB treatment centers, and report instances of stigma at healthcare facilities.

Lekan Otufodunrin, who serves as the Executive Director of Media Career Services, emphasized the essential function of the media in fostering public awareness.

He encouraged the media to highlight the significance of TPT, emphasizing that reporting should extend beyond just covering TB during events; instead, they should sustain the dialogue to ensure individuals understand where and how to obtain preventative treatments.

Otufodunrin noted that through greater investments, robust campaigning, and wider availability of TPT, Lagos could potentially halt TB before it proliferates. Nonetheless, realizing this objective necessitates concerted efforts from the government, medical practitioners, media personnel, and community members alike.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).