Concerns have been expressed by experts regarding the lack of tuberculosis (TB) medications in Akwa Ibom State and various regions across the country.

Dr. Bassey Akpan, the State TB Programme Manager for Akwa Ibom, revealed that the state is experiencing a critical shortage of TB drugs, which is obstructing the treatment of existing patients and postponing the initiation of preventive therapy for new cases.

Akpan said: “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 convened by Lawyers Alert as part of the initiative titled Law, Rights, and Community Empowerment or Social Change in TB, HIV, and Malaria Response, which is supported by the Gender Equality Fund (GEF).

Akpan elaborated on the critical shortage of TB medications globally, which has significantly impacted their availability in Nigeria. He stated, “Patients currently receiving treatment face the risk of interruptions, potentially leading to drug resistance. Furthermore, the drug scarcity obstructs the initiation of preventive therapy for new patients, increasing the chances of further transmission and new infections.”

He noted that this shortage has prompted discussions regarding the rationing of existing medications, a strategy that could jeopardize TB control efforts nationwide. Lawyers Alert, in collaboration with the Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR), voiced serious concerns regarding the public health consequences and the potential infringement on the right to access quality healthcare for individuals 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 emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between the public and private sectors to effectively address the crisis and mitigate the potential public health emergency.