APNAG JOINS THE 2025 WORLD TUBERCULOSIS (TB) DAY CELEBRATION
The World TB Day Celebration is always designed to build public awareness about the global epidemic of Tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease. In 2018, 10 million people fell ill with TB, and 1.5 million (over 10%) died from the disease, mostly in low and middle-income countries.
It is on record that 79 million lives saved since year 2000 by global efforts to end TB. Therefore, on the 24th day of March 2025, Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG), joined forces with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, TB Network – Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to commemorate the World TB Day 2025 whose Theme was, *“YES WE CAN END TB: COMMIT, INVEST, DELIVER”.*
The Event, held at Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Nung Udoe, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, aimed at educating students, teachers, and the community about Tuberculosis (TB); its symptoms; prevention; and the importance of seeking medical attention.
The primary objectives of the Event were: To sensitize students and teachers about TB; its causes, symptoms, and prevention methods; To dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding TB; emphasizing the importance of medical testing; To provide free TB testing to students and teachers.
Highlights of the Event featured a range of activities designed to engage and educate the audience:
1. There was a comprehensive presentation delivered to the audience, covering topics such as the definition of TB, early warning signs, symptoms, and prevention methods.
2. A thought-provoking drama was performed to dispel common myths and misconceptions surrounding TB, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention rather than resorting to spiritual remedies.
3. Students and teachers received free TB testing.
The 2025 World TB Day celebration, was highly successful. The Event did not only raise awareness about TB, but also provided a platform for education, empowerment, and myth-busting.
It is essential that we continue to prioritize TB prevention and management, work together to create a healthier, more informed community.
