Health minister, others make case for MDR-TB patients

THE Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has enjoined well-meaning Nigerians to complement the effort of the government by supporting the treatment of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the country through donation of facilities, among others.

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The minister spoke at the inauguration of new DR-TB Treatment Centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The facility valued at over N200 million and which  include three buildings comprising, administration, male and female wards, equipped with treatment machines were donated by the Damien Foundation Belgium (DFB).

The event was attended by the hospital’s management and staff, officials of the DFB, Oyo State ministry of Health, and National TB and Leprosy Coordinator among others.

The donor agency, Damien Foundation’s team was led to the event by the general director, (Brussels-Belgium), Mr Alex Jaucot.

Professor Adewole who was represented by the Chief Medical Director, UCH, Professor Temitope Alonge, lamented that TB has over the years not enjoyed the same kind of attention and funding like HIV/AIDS, despite it been as deadly and contagious.

He said, “DFB and philanthropists in Belgium have put these together; and this edifice I am sure that in terms of furnishing and structure will probably be over N200million.

“We believe we owe a lot to Damien Foundation Belgium, and also to those philanthropic organisation. It is high time Nigerians got up and get things done by contributing to a noble course.”

Damien Foundation’s  general director, Brussels, Belgium, Mr Alex Jaucot, said the foundation decided to put up the investment i because of the deadly nature of the multi-drug resistance tuberculosis.

He said, “We know that MDR TB is a challenging issue and a special disease because for most patients, the clock is ticking; and if you are not quick in giving the right treatment, it could be more disastrous.

That is why we have committed to dealing with this issue that is very important for the organization.”

Chairman, National Drug-Resistant TB committees, Professor Olusoji Ige, stated that the driving force for drug-resistant TB include poor quality drug, inadequate dosage and poor infection control.

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Professor Ige, who said the UCH facility had treated 347 cases of drug-resistant TB, stated that the facility will go a long way in ensuring the global vision of eradicating TB by 2030.

National coordinator, TB and Leprosy Control Programme, Dr Adebola Lawanson, speaking through Dr Johnson Babalola stated that drug-resistant TB is a menace that stands against attaining the sustainable development goals for the eradication of TB in Nigeria.

Dr Lawanson said the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners have established drug-resistant TB treatment centres in 27 states in the country, with five of such built by DFB.