Early impact of the Challenge TB Project on tuberculosis control in Osun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) is an endemic disease in Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the incidence rate for all forms of Tuberculosis at 322 per 100,000 population in Nigeria in 2014 (WHO, 2015). This figure places Nigeria fourth among the 22-high burden countries in the world after India, Indonesia and China. These 22 countries have been prioritized for intensified Tuberculosis (TB) control at the global level, and together they accounted for over 82% of all estimated forms of Tuberculosis the world over in 2014 (WHO, 2014). The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) estimates the Osun state Tuberculosis Case Notification Rate for all forms of TB to be 54 per 100,000 (USAID, 2014). Osun state also has a total of 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) with 30 TB and Leprosy Supervisors (TBLS) overseeing TB control at local government level. Osun state TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer programme was established in 1993 and currently comprises of 218 health centres implementing the DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy Short-course) strategy and 55 Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) diagnostic microscopy centres.