An international medical organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), on Monday, said it has offered free treatment to 68 children suffering from tuberculosis in Borno State, within the past six months.
MSF, also known as Doctors without Borders, said the children were treated at its medical facility at Fori area of Maiduguri.
The organisation’s Medical Officer in charge of tuberculosis treatment, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, who spoke on the sideline of activities to commemorate the 2018 World Tuberculosis Day, in Maiduguri, said most of the children had completed their treatment.
According to Abdullahi, 26 of the children had completed the first two months of intensive therapy, while 42 were on regular follow up.
He explained that the children had gone through two phases of treatment, namely; intensive therapy and regular follow up. He added that the six months treatment including clinical examinations, drugs and counseling were provided free of charge at the centre.
Abdullahi mentioned that patients were sensitised on the need to adhere to prescription, to improve compliance and treat the disease.
“tuberculosis is curable; it is also related to malnourishment and there is need for those on treatment to eat well," he said.
“Parents were sensitised on the symptoms of the disease such as prolong cough, night sweat and weight loss. “Parents and care givers were also advised to present children for BCG immunisation, seek early medication and avoid staying in congested places.”
The Federal Government recently introduced a new pediatric anti-TB formulation to enhance treatment of drug susceptible tuberculosis in children.
