[*Note from HIFA moderator (NPW): A longer version of this message was cirulated yesterday but there was a formatting issue which made it difficult to read for some members]
Read online: https://afrihealthcsos.org/2025/03/22/persisting-stigma-and-discriminati...
Being a Press release by
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)
PERSISTING STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION, AND THE EFFORTS TO END TUBERCULOSIS IN AFRICA AND ASIA
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a global-level and community-focused Network/Think-tank of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-state actors (NSA) on Health, Human Welfare/Rights, Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation, Food Security and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its mission is to engender sustainable interventions in the health, capacity, survival, empowerment, life, development and standard of living of youth, low-income individuals and communities, women, infants, adolescents, poorest of the poor, the elderly, rural and marginalized indigenous people, sick and vulnerable groups especially in Africa; by promoting evidence-based credible actions, and supporting measures needed to achieve and safeguard them. Established in 1997, AHOA has teams/chapters in the FCT and 36 States of Nigeria; 3,000 organizations from 120 countries as its members, and a Google Group of over 44,000 members globally, AHOA has become a third-sector global player, partner, project/programme developer, implementer, monitor and reporter on the measures needed to achieve and safeguard them.
THE INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM ON TUBERCULOSIS OR ‘TB’
At the international colloquium jointly organized on 21st March 2025 by Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and the World TB Day Planning Team of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) Nigeria, participants from several countries including Nigeria, India, United States of America, Cote D’Ivoire, Kenya, Nepal, Zambia, Colombia; the governments, businesses and civil society actors; and institutions including the World health Organization (WHO); participants generally identified TB stigma and discrimination as the most single element that mostly stacks against the efforts to stop TB, and end/eliminate the disease; impacting treatment adherence, care-seeking behaviors, and overall health outcomes.
SIGNIFICANT BARRIES TO ENDING ‘TB’ ..... https://afrihealthcsos.org/2025/03/22/persisting-stigma-and-discriminati...
CONCLUSION
The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) acknowledges and commends all the efforts made by governments, institutions, corporations, organizations, communities, TB survivors and Individuals in the match to end TB worldwide. Among other actions and interventions, we must actively continue to combat TB stigma and discrimination by promoting education, care, support, sustained treatment, diligent contact-tracing and follow ups, empathy, and respect for individuals and communities affected by TB, ensuring access to quality care, and advocating for policies that protect human rights and dignity. We are aware that this requires a multi-pronged approach, including education, community engagement, and policies that deliberately promote respect and understanding. In our collective efforts to achieve the above, community-based education, awareness campaigns, and supportive healthcare environments for improved TB outcomes, remain our low-hanging fruits.
Signed:
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
CEO/Programmes Director
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)
Abuja, Nigeria
22nd March 2025
<https://druzoadiriejefoundation.blogspot.com/2024/07/cv-of-dr-uzodinma-a...
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)
<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-ass...
National Coordinator, Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSP-SDGs Nigeria)
WhatsApp: +2348034725905
Email: ceo@afrihealthcsos.org
Website: http://www.afrihealthcsos.org