Public health experts have called for a coordinated strategy to address the growing crises of malnutrition and tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, warning that millions of children remain vulnerable to both conditions.
A public health specialist, Dr. Gabriel Adakole raised the alarm during an interview in Abuja, emphasising that malnutrition and TB are deeply interconnected, with malnutrition increasing susceptibility to TB and reducing treatment efficacy.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other organs. The disease is transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with symptoms including persistent cough, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
Malnutrition, on the other hand, occurs when the body lacks the necessary nutrients for proper growth and function. It can result from inadequate food intake (undernutrition) or an imbalance in nutrients, both of which compromise the immune system.
Adakole stressed that malnutrition significantly weakens immunity, increasing the likelihood of TB infection and decreasing the effectiveness of treatment.
“A well-nourished child has a stronger immune response to TB treatment, but in Nigeria, many children with TB are already malnourished when they seek care. Without nutritional support, their chances of recovery are lower,” he said.
Data from the WHO indicates that Nigeria bears one of the world’s highest burdens of childhood TB, with an estimated 77,000 cases annually. However, only about 8,441 cases are officially reported due to poor diagnosis and inadequate access to healthcare.
At the same time, malnutrition is becoming more widespread. A recent study by international development partners revealed that over 31.8 million Nigerians are facing acute food shortages, with children being the most affected.
Adakole warned that the intersection of these crises is driving up child mortality rates, making it imperative to integrate nutritional support into TB treatment programs.
To address these challenges, Adakole proposed several key interventions, including:
– Increased Funding: Expanding TB-specific budgets to include food supplementation for malnourished children undergoing treatment.
– Collaboration Between TB and Nutrition Services: Strengthening partnerships between TB clinics and nutrition programs at state and local levels.
– Community-Based Approaches: Training community health workers to identify and refer malnourished TB patients for early intervention.
– Policy Implementation: Enforcing national guidelines that link TB treatment with food security programs to ensure malnourished patients receive adequate dietary support.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and is developing strategies to bridge the gap between TB care and nutrition services.
Head of childhood tuberculosis at the National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), Dr. Urhioke Ochuko highlighted the National TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Management Guidelines, which include recommendations for integrating nutrition into TB management.
However, he noted that implementation remains difficult due to limited resources and inadequate coordination.
“We need stronger advocacy and political commitment to make nutrition a standard component of TB care in Nigeria,” he said. “If we want to reduce TB-related deaths, we must address malnutrition as part of the solution. It is not just a health issue – it is a survival issue.”
Stakeholders are also urging international donors, non-governmental organisations and private sector partners to support efforts to combat TB and malnutrition in Nigeria.
Public awareness campaigns are being advocated to educate families on the importance of proper nutrition in preventing infections and aiding recovery.
With millions of children at risk, experts stress that urgent action is needed to close the gap between food insecurity and infectious disease control – before more lives are lost.
