DHDC, FCT Take TB Screening, Testing to Communities, Schools in Abuja

In a bid to close critical gaps in tuberculosis (TB) detection and care, Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), in collaboration with the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and partners, has taken life-saving TB awareness, screening and testing services directly to communities and schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The outreach, organised to commemorate World TB Day 2026, targeted underserved populations in Karshi, a rural settlement, and Dutsen Alhaji in Bwari Area Council, where access to healthcare services remains limited.

Tuberculosis continues to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly when cases go undetected or are poorly managed.

Health experts warn that delayed diagnosis not only affects physical development especially among children but also increases the risk of drug-resistant TB.

To address this, outreach teams moved beyond conventional health facilities into classrooms and communities, providing education on TB symptoms, prevention and treatment, while also conducting on-the-spot screening and testing.

The intervention recorded significant outcomes, with over 800 persons—including schoolchildren, teachers and community members screened across the two locations out of this number, 69 individuals were identified as presumptive TB cases and referred for further clinical evaluation.

Those confirmed positive have since been linked to treatment, care and support services, while contact tracing efforts are ongoing to prevent further transmission.

Speaking on the outcome, Executive Director of DHDC, Deborah Ikeh, described the intervention as impactful.

“Every person with TB identified early represents a transmission chain broken and a proactive step against the emergence of drug-resistant TB. We are excited about the outcome of this intervention,” she said.

Also speaking, Childhood TB Focal Person for the FCT TB Programme, Titilayo Ilesanmi, noted that the outreach aligns with national targets for TB control.

“This fieldwork aligns directly with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme targets for World TB Day 2026. We are delighted to have partners like DHDC, ARFH and KNCV Nigeria supporting this effort,” she said.

At the community level, the initiative has also helped to address stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.
Head teacher of Karshi Muslim Forum School, Shafiratu Inua Adha, said the programme had improved awareness among students and residents. ALSO READ: Nigeria Rallies Stakeholders, Media to End Tuberculosis by 2030

“This programme is an eye opener for all of us. We are now better informed about TB, its signs and symptoms, and the help that is available. People with TB should not be stigmatized,” she said.

The outreach was supported by the Stop TB Partnership through its Challenge Facility for Civil Society (CFCS 2025), with additional collaboration from organisations including ARFH and KNCV Nigeria.

Stakeholders say such grassroots interventions are critical to reaching hard-to-access populations and reducing inequalities in healthcare delivery.

Nigeria has continued to make progress in TB control; however, experts emphasise that sustained community-based interventions will be key to eliminating the disease.

They stress that expanding access to early detection and treatment remains essential to breaking transmission chains and achieving the long-term goal of eradicating tuberculosis.