DHDC, Partners Move TB Screening to Communities, Classrooms in FCT By Raymond Enoch
In a bold push to curb the spread of tuberculosis, a local health group has taken life-saving awareness, screening and testing services directly to communities and classrooms across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaching hundreds who might otherwise go undiagnosed.
The Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), in partnership with the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and other stakeholders, carried out the large-scale outreach to commemorate the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day. The intervention, supported by the Stop TB Partnership CFCS 2025, targeted hard-to-reach areas including Karshi community and the densely populated Dutsen Alhaji in Bwari Area Council.
Health teams conducted door-to-door sensitisation and school-based engagements, educating residents and pupils on the dangers of tuberculosis while providing free screening and on-the-spot testing services.
The outcome was significant.
Over 800 people, including children and teachers, were screened during the exercise. Out of this number, 69 individuals were identified as presumptive TB cases and referred for further clinical investigation. Those confirmed positive have been linked to treatment, care and support services, with contact tracing ongoing.
Public health experts note that early detection remains critical in breaking the chain of transmission and preventing the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, which continues to pose a major health challenge in Nigeria.
“We are excited about the outcome of this intervention,” said Mrs Deborah Ikeh, Executive Director of DHDC. “Every person identified early represents a transmission chain broken.”
Officials of the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme also described the intervention as a step in the right direction towards achieving national TB targets.
“This fieldwork aligns directly with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme goals for World TB Day 2026,” said Dr Titilayo Ilesanmi, Childhood TB Focal Person for the FCT TB Programme. “We are delighted to have partners like DHDC, ARFH and KNCV Nigeria working with us on this journey.”
At the community level, the outreach was also praised for helping to improve awareness and reduce stigma associated with the disease.
“This programme is an eye-opener for all of us,” said Shafiratu Inua Adha, Head Teacher of Karshi Muslim Forum School. “We are now better informed about TB, its signs and symptoms, and the available support. People with TB should not be stigmatized.”
Organisers said the success of the outreach was made possible through sustained financial and logistical support from partners, including the Stop TB Partnership through UNOPS and the Humana People to People Foundation.
Despite ongoing interventions, tuberculosis remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities where access to healthcare services is limited.
Stakeholders maintain that community-based interventions that take services beyond hospital settings are essential to closing gaps in detection, reducing transmission, and advancing Nigeria’s goal of eliminating tuberculosis.
