Understanding Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable, preventable disease. Knowledge is the first step toward ending the epidemic in Nigeria.
A Curable Disease That Kills When Untreated
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect the kidneys, spine, and brain.
TB spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or spit. It is NOT spread by touch, sharing food, or surfaces. TB is 100% curable, and treatment is free across all 36 states in Nigeria.
🔵 Latent TB Infection
The TB bacteria are present but inactive. No symptoms, not contagious — but latent TB can become active if untreated.
🔴 Active TB Disease
The bacteria are active and multiplying. The person is sick and can spread TB to others. Requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms of TB
Recognising the symptoms early can save a life. If you experience any of these for 2 weeks or more, visit a health facility immediately.
Persistent Cough
Cough lasting 2 weeks or more, sometimes with blood
Fever & Night Sweats
Low-grade fever, especially at night, with heavy sweating
Unexplained Weight Loss
Significant weight loss without intentional dieting
Chest Pain
Pain or discomfort when breathing or coughing
Fatigue & Weakness
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy
Loss of Appetite
Reduced desire to eat, often leading to weight loss
Important: A persistent cough lasting 2 or more weeks is the most common early symptom of TB. Do not ignore it — get tested for free at any public health facility near you.
How TB Treatment Works
TB treatment is a structured, supported process available for free in Nigeria.
Get Tested
Visit your nearest public health facility for a free TB test. A sputum sample is taken for lab analysis.
Confirm Diagnosis
Results ready within 1–2 days using GeneXpert machines, which also detect drug resistance.
Start Treatment
Treatment begins immediately after diagnosis — a 6-month drug course, completely free in Nigeria.
DOT Support
Directly Observed Therapy ensures you take medication correctly with support from a healthcare worker.
Follow-up Tests
Regular sputum tests at months 2, 5, and 6 confirm treatment is working.
Completion
Complete your full course to be cured and prevent drug-resistant TB from developing.
Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB)
DR-TB occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to standard first-line drugs. This happens primarily when people:
- Stop taking TB medications before completing treatment
- Take the wrong dose or combination of drugs
- Have limited access to quality medicines
- Have been exposed to someone with DR-TB
DR-TB requires longer treatment (up to 24 months) but IS treatable. Free DR-TB treatment is available at designated centres across Nigeria.
TB & HIV
TB is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. HIV weakens the immune system, making people 18× more likely to develop active TB.
All TB patients should be tested for HIV and vice versa. Integrated treatment is available at ART centres across Nigeria.
Learn about integrated care →Suspect TB? Get Tested Today
Treatment is free. All health facilities treat TB confidentially. Early diagnosis saves lives.