A South Africa-based Nigerian medical expert, Dr Oluwatosin Ademola Ojo (DATO), has advised members of the public to take preventive measures against tuberculosis (TB), stressing the importance of early detection, proper treatment and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Dr. Ojo gave the advice while featuring on the weekly health programme on African Portal Radio/TV with Dare Olusan, where he educated listeners on the causes, symptoms, prevention and management of tuberculosis.
According to him, tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that commonly affects the lungs, although it can also affect other parts of the body.
He explained that TB is mainly transmitted through the air when a person with infectious TB of the lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks or spits, making prolonged close contact with an infected person a potential risk.
Dr. Ojo noted that people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing TB disease after infection. He identified conditions and factors such as HIV infection, malnutrition, diabetes and tobacco use as factors that can increase the risk of developing TB.
He therefore urged members of the public to pay attention to persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, weakness, fever and night sweats, stressing that anyone experiencing such symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Dr. Ojo advised families and communities not to stigmatised people diagnosed with tuberculosis, but to support them in accessing and completing medical treatment.
He explained that TB is preventable and curable and that people diagnosed with TB should take their prescribed medicines exactly as directed by qualified healthcare professionals.
He warned against stopping TB medication prematurely or taking drugs without medical supervision, as incomplete or inappropriate treatment can contribute to drug resistance.
Dr. Ojo urged members of the public to avoid discrimination against people living with TB, saying that proper medical care, family support and adherence to treatment are important to achieving recovery and preventing further spread of the disease.
He called for increased public awareness about tuberculosis, stressing that early diagnosis and effective treatment remain important tools in protecting individuals, families and communities from the disease.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
