An American Human Rights Lawyer and Researcher, Professor Brian Citro has observed that adequate information about TB will reduce stigmatization and discrimination against person affected by Tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Professor Brian said this during a 2-day workshop organised by nonprofit organizations, Lawyers Alert Nigeria and Debriche Health Development Center with the theme “Activating the Power of Community, Human Rights and the Law to Ends TB.
Speaking at the capacity building workshop for lawyers, journalists, health workers and TB community, Professor Brian said the more people understand TB better, the less discrimination and stigma.
He said lack of adequate information and awareness were major factors fueling discrimination against persons affected by Tuberculosis and worsening their situation.
He called on media to sensitize the public on the need to end discrimination against the affected persons and support them to overcome the challenge.
He said “TB is curable and it’s not a death sentence. When people take TB treatment very quickly, the are no longer contagious. If people know this, it will reduce the fear and the stigma.”
“Also, we need to use the law. So, we have to have a law that protects the persons affected by TB. A law that expressly and explicitly prohibits discrimination against persons affected by TB”.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho who was represented on the occasion by the Adminsrative Judge of Federal High Court Lagos Division, Justice A. O Faji lauded Lawyers Alert and other partners for their commitment towards ensuring wellbeing of Nigerian.
Barrister Rommy Mom, President, Lawyers Alert urged the media and lawyers to educate persons affected by TB on their rights. He urged lawyers to provide free legal services to person affected by TB when they want to enforce their rights.
Rommy said “We are talking about the rights of persons affected by TB, those who have been infected in the past, the survivors of TB and their family members. In Nigeria today, TB is the biggest killer in terms of communicable disease with a staggering number of persons who have lost their lives.”
“What makes their problems worse are two issues which are stigma and discrimination. These are human rights issues. The lack of gender based approach to TB exacerbate the situation. We are here to talk to persons affected by TB to know their rights and how to enforce these rights.”
Similarly, the Executive Director, Debriche Health Development Center, Mrs Deborah Ogwuche-Ikeh said close collaboration among all relevant stakeholders is key to end TB in Nigeria and provide support for the survivors.
She said “to end discrimination against persons affected by TB, there is need for close collaboration and engagement between the TB affected Community and relevant stakeholders including the legal service providers and the media.”
“This is very important because it’s going to improve knowledge and provide psychological and psychosocial support to persons affected by TB. We believe that with knowledge, stigma and discrimination would reduce.”
