Improving Tuberculosis Active Case Finding Through the Engagement of Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in high-burden countries like Nigeria. Despite efforts to combat TB, a substantial number of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, contributing to the continued spread of the disease. In response to this public health crisis, the USAID/Nigeria Tuberculosis Local Organization (USAID/Nigeria TB LON) project, implemented by the Equitable Health Access Initiative (EHAI) in Lagos State, initiated a novel approach to TB case finding. This journal article provides an overview of the strategies, activities, challenges, and achievements of the Program within the USAID TB LON 3 project in Lagos State, with a focus on the period from March to September 2021 Methods: This approach involves collaboration with Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) to identify and link presumptive TB cases to testing and treatment services. Result: From March to September 2021, only 30 out of the 94 TMPs trained reported a total of 8,333 clients screened for Tuberculosis infections across 7 LGAs in Lagos State. 715 presumptive TB cases were identified (representing 0.09% of screened cases) and 628 samples were further evaluated for TB (88% of identified presumptive cases) with 12 confirmed TB positive cases reported (2% of presumptive cases), 11 linked to treatment, and 1 death reported. Conclusion: This research offers compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of engaging Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) in enhancing active Tuberculosis (TB) case finding in Lagos State. The substantial and positive impact observed underscores the potential of this approach to play a pivotal role in TB control initiatives, fortifying the healthcare system's resilience in addressing TB within community outside hospital facility. Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB), Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMP),