Experts have raised concerns over the shortage of tuberculosis (TB) drugs in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of Nigeria.
The State TB Programme Manager for Akwa Ibom, Dr. Bassey Akpan, disclosed that the state is facing a severe shortage of TB medications, hindering the treatment of current patients and delaying the start of preventive therapy for new patients.
Akpan stated, “This global shortage of TB drugs is significantly impacting Nigeria’s public health system, posing a serious threat to ongoing treatment and preventing the initiation of new patients on TB Preventive Therapy (TPT).”
The meeting was organized by Lawyers Alert under the project titled Law, Rights, and Community Empowerment for Social Change in TB, HIV, and Malaria Response, supported by the Gender Equality Fund (GEF).
He further explained that the global scarcity of TB drugs has severely affected the availability of these vital medications in Nigeria. “Patients currently undergoing treatment are at risk of interruptions, which can lead to drug resistance. Additionally, the lack of drugs hampers efforts to start new patients on preventive therapy, raising the likelihood of increased transmission and new infections,” he said.
The shortage has led to discussions about the rationing of available drugs, a move that could undermine TB control efforts in the country. Lawyers Alert, along with the Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR), expressed deep concern about the public health implications and the potential violation of the right to access quality healthcare for persons affected by TB (PATBs).
“We remain committed to working with the State TB Program and other stakeholders to explore all avenues to mitigate the effects of this shortage. Our focus will be on advocating for increased national and international support to resolve the TB drug shortage crisis, ensuring equitable distribution of available medications, and keeping the public informed about the situation,” stated Lawyers Alert and MHR.
They called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to resolve the crisis and prevent a looming public health emergency.