Our Non-Governmental Organization, Hope for Family Development Initiatives (HFDI), recently held a review meeting and TB training session on May 15th, 2023, in Ilorin-South, Kwara State. The event saw the attendance of 26 Community Mobilization Monitors (CMMs), the State TB staff, and the staff of community-based organizations.
During the meeting, the State TB staff provided educational sessions on Tuberculosis, a communicable disease caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) that can affect many parts of the body, including the lungs. They explained how it spreads from person to person through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings. The attendees were also informed about the signs and symptoms of TB, such as cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, fever, and missing work or school, among others.
The medical screening procedures used to detect TB were also discussed during the meeting. Specifically, attendees learned how to identify people who have been in close contact with TB patients and how to conduct TB screening. This training will enable CMMs to detect new cases of TB early and inform patients' contacts so they can get tested and treated.
The meeting also served as an avenue to discuss the progress made on the ICHASSA-2 Project challenges and how CMMs can best handle challenges from clients and facilities. Additionally, CMMs were trained on using the MUAC Tape for nutrition assessments.
We encourage our CMMs to apply the knowledge gained at the review meeting to ensure that the ICHASSA-2 Project is a success in Kwara State.
Working together, we can make a difference in our community.