Nigerian medical student leads Tuberculosis awareness campaign in Edo

In a bid to combat the persistent spread of tuberculosis (TB) in rural Nigeria, a Nigerian medical student based in Moscow, Russia, has launched a grassroots campaign to raise awareness and promote early detection of the disease in underserved communities.

Chinonso Gerald Udensi, a physician-in-training, returns to Nigeria each summer to lead TB education initiatives in remote parts of Edo State, where access to healthcare remains limited and misconceptions about the disease are widespread. His efforts come amid ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s TB burden, with the country listed among the world’s high-burden nations for the disease.

According to the World Health Organization, TB caused an estimated 1.5 million deaths globally in 2014, with 9.6 million new cases recorded. In Nigeria, the disease continues to thrive, particularly in impoverished areas where overcrowding, malnutrition, and limited medical resources are common.

Udensi’s campaign focuses on educating rural communities about the symptoms of TB—such as persistent coughing, weight loss, and night sweats—and encouraging residents to seek medical treatment. In many villages, these symptoms are often misattributed to spiritual causes, delaying diagnosis and increasing the risk of transmission.

“Many people don’t seek help until it’s too late,” Udensi said. “There’s a lot of fear and stigma surrounding TB. Some believe it’s a curse, and that makes it harder to fight.”

Working alongside local health workers and traditional leaders, Udensi organises village visits to conduct TB screenings and refer suspected cases for free diagnosis and treatment at designated health facilities. His initiative has led to earlier detection of cases and increased awareness in communities that previously had limited exposure to public health education.

Udensi, who is pursuing his medical degree in Russia, plans to return to Nigeria permanently after graduation to specialise in infectious diseases. He hopes to expand access to healthcare in rural areas and push for stronger policies on TB prevention and control.

His work has drawn praise from local healthcare providers, who say the campaign is making a tangible impact. “He’s helping bridge the gap between modern medicine and rural communities,” said one health worker in Edo State.

As Nigeria continues its fight against tuberculosis, Udensi’s campaign highlights the role of young medical professionals in driving community-level change and addressing long-standing health challenges.

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