Health experts have called for an integrated approach to tuberculosis (TB) response to enable patients and the healthcare system to save money and resources.

An Early Career Researcher (ERC) at Light Consortium, Dr Chukwuebuka Ugwu, who made the call, noted that integrated care can help reduce healthcare costs, improve health outcomes, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare systems.

Speaking at a symposium organised by Zankli Research Centre in collaboration with The Light Consortium to commemorate this year’s World TB Day, expressed the need for policymakers and healthcare administrators to prioritise integrated approaches to healthcare, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Ugwu noted that an integrated approach to TB response is crucial, as it ensures that patients receive all the necessary services in one visit, rather than having to return multiple times.

He said, “Integrated approach to healthcare means that when a patient visits a health facility, they receive comprehensive care that addresses all their health needs, not just the primary disease.

“This approach checks for infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as psychological wellness. This approach saves money and resources for both the patient and the healthcare system”.

The expert also highlighted the importance of community-driven approaches to TB screening, citing a research study that showed significant improvements in TB knowledge and reductions in stigma among community members.

Ugwu stated that men have a higher burden of TB but are less willing to visit hospitals, hence the need to reach them through community-based outreach programmes that target men in their gathering places, such as mosques, to increase TB awareness and treatment.

He stressed the need for healthcare workers to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of their patients, particularly men. He noted that men may have different schedules and priorities, such as providing for their families, and healthcare workers should be flexible and accommodating to meet these needs.

Ugwu highlighted the importance of trust-building and follow-up in ensuring that patients adhere to their treatment regimens. He noted that patients, especially men, may require repeated reminders and encouragement to take their medications as prescribed.

Earlier, the Research Uptake Manager at the Light Consortium, Toyosi Adekeye, lamented that TB has been a longstanding health issue in Africa.

Adekeye, who is also the Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine and Primary Health Care at Bingham University, Zankli Research Centre, Karu, Nasarawa state, noted that in the past, tuberculosis was often misdiagnosed as a mere coughing disease, leading to countless deaths due to lack of proper treatment.

He said, “This trend continues to this day, with many people in our immediate environment suffering from TB without realising it. One of the most striking aspects of TB is that its treatment and diagnosis are completely free, provided one can access a treatment centre. However, the lack of awareness about the disease remains a significant challenge.”

“When we conducted an outreach programme targeting adolescents, the results were eye-opening. Many of the participants were unaware of the symptoms of TB, often mistaking them for common colds or sore throats. This lack of awareness can have devastating consequences.

“When left untreated, TB can persist and worsen, eventually affecting every aspect of one’s life. It is not uncommon for people to seek treatment from chemists or rely on traditional remedies, only to discover later that they have been living with TB all along.”

Adekeye stressed the need to tackle TB, adding that it requires collaboration across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, and community outreaches.

The professor highlighted the importance of prioritising TB awareness and education, particularly among vulnerable populations, to reduce the stigma associated with TB, as well as ensure that those affected receive treatment and support.

In his presentation, a public health expert, Dr Hananiya Samuel, said TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and Nigeria ranks among the top 30 high-burden countries globally.