NTBLCP Supports St Kizito Clinic with GeneXpert Test Device Platform

The National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) through the recommendation of the Lagos State TBLCP has donated a GeneXpert test device platform to St Kizito Clinic.

This donation comprised the installation of the equipment at the facility and the training of staff on GeneXpert technology. 

The GeneXpert test will substantially improve the diagnosis of tuberculosis among the Eti-Osa community and beyond. This landmark achievement will enable the detection of Multi-DrugResistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) as well as hard to diagnose especially among People Living with HIV. 

Currently, St Kizito Clinic is the only comprehensive diagnostic and treatment TB- DOTS centre with experienced and trained health personnel and standard laboratory operating in Eti-Osa, and Lagos Island LGA since 2005. Recently, 

Dr. Alda Gemmani, Medical Director of St. Kizito Clinic praised this initiative championed by the Lagos State TB program and reported the 2016 World Health Organization Tuberculosis Report “ Unfortunately, case detection in Nigeria is still very low at 16% , while Nigeria is among the s ix countries accounted for 60% of the new cases in 2015: India, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa. Nigeria estimates an incidence of 586,000 new cases in 2015 and 180,000 deaths every year . Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for prompt and adequate treatment. ”

Dr Hussein Abdur Razzaq, Lagos State Co-ordinator National TB program (NTBLCP), adds: “ Tuberculosis (TB) still constitutes a serious public health problem in Nigeria, despite the implementation of the DOTS centres since 1993 and the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) “ Stop TB strategy ” in 2006. We set 2017 as the year of accelerated case finding for TB, we believe that the GeneXpert machine in St Kizito Clinic will further improve their capability to detect TB cases and prevent further infections in the community.” 

St Kizito Clinic’s fight against TB St Kizito has been involved in tuberculosis care and treatment since 2005 with the use of standard TB diagnostic methods and anti-koch’s therapy as recommended and provided under the NTBLCP through the Lagos State Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program.   

This effort was recognized by the Lagos state Ministry of health, which formally designated St Kizito Clinic as a TB/DOTS site operating with FMoH/NTBLCP guidelines of Nigeria.

 Since then, over 10,000 patients have benefited from Tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment and support services from the clinic. 

Great accolade also goes to Chevron Nigeria whose continuous support has strengthened the capacity of St. Kizito Clinic to care for TB patients with the construction of a dedicated DOTS unit.

Their noble efforts include the installation of an X-ray machine and chemistry auto analyser for TB diagnostic support.

This support is an important approach to health care such that every person, every family, and every community is considered to be a potential resource regardless of their vulnerability. This approach increases awareness among the community members.