By …..Tuberculosis doesn’t often make the headlines but it should.
For a country like Nigeria, where TB continues to claim lives every day, we can no longer afford to keep quiet. What’s even more heartbreaking is that TB is curable and preventable, yet many still suffer in silence, not just from the illness but from the heavy stigma that comes with it.
Let’s be honest there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Some people still think TB is a spiritual issue or a punishment of some sort. Others are too ashamed to get tested or start treatment because they’re scared of what their friends or family might say. And in all this, the real tragedy is that the longer people wait, the worse it gets not just for them but for everyone around them.
This is why public health education is so important right now. People need to know the symptoms. They need to know that testing is free, and treatment is available. But even more, they need to hear it in a way that feels close to home through their local radio stations, WhatsApp groups, TV shows, churches, and mosques.
That’s where the media comes in. As journalists, broadcasters, and content creators, we have a powerful role to play. We can start conversations. We can challenge stereotypes. We can spotlight real people who’ve battled TB and survived. These stories matter. They make it easier for others to speak up and seek help.
We should also talk more about prevention—vaccinations, proper ventilation, and good cough etiquette. Simple things, but they go a long way. And of course, we can’t ignore the importance of finishing the full treatment, which is what stops the development of drug-resistant TB strains that are even harder to treat.
Look, the fight against TB isn’t just for doctors and hospitals. It’s for all of us teachers, journalists, religious leaders, influencers, and everyday citizens. The more we talk about it, the less power stigma has. The more we educate, the fewer lives we lose.
Let’s stop whispering about TB. Let’s put it on the front page, in the news bulletins, on social media, and in our everyday conversations.
Because when we break the silence, we save lives.
