Ahead of the World Tuberculosis Day commemoration, an advocate has called on the federal government to ensure the protection of the rights of survivors to avoid stigmatisation and loss of livelihoods after their treatment
Elijah Justice, who is also a TB survivor, made the call at a press briefing organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria to herald the 2024 World TB Day in Abuja.
Justice narrated his medical ordeal, stigmatisation and consequent sack from a new-generation commercial bank following his treatment and cure from tuberculosis, lamenting that survivors still face stigma despite being given a clean bill of health from the infectious disease.
In his words: “I came back from TB treatment and lost my job because my office felt I could infect others but TB is curable.
“TB is not a death sentence; treatment is available; however, people must seek help and medical care immediately. Do not wait until you jeopardise the health of your family.”
Reacting to the possibility of human rights abuses and stigmatisation following tuberculosis treatment, the acting Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, noted that the disease continues to pose a major public health concern, claiming far too many livelihoods.
She, however, informed that interventions to address human rights abuses against survivors have been put in place, urging the public to take advantage of the Lawyers Alert platform and the 3340 toll-free number to report any such incidents.
“If you call the toll-free number, the issues raised will be escalated to the organisations that will intervene and address the situation. The Lawyers Alert group is also there to stand in and provide services for people whose rights are abused or who have been discriminated against,” she said.
