Public Hearing on Tuberculosis Rights Bill Held in Abuja

The House Committee on Infectious Diseases convened a public hearing on a tuberculosis rights bill at the National Assembly in Abuja. Chaired by Hon. Mark Essiet, the hearing provided a platform for stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, health experts, and tuberculosis survivors, to express their views on the proposed legislation.

The bill aims to prevent discrimination and protect the fundamental human rights and dignity of people living with tuberculosis. Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, the committee's chairman, noted the existing legal gaps in Nigeria regarding the protection of individuals affected by tuberculosis, which contribute to low testing rates and poor diagnosis.

The NTBLCP submitted a memorandum emphasizing that stigma is a significant social issue affecting treatment outcomes. Recommendations included expanding the tuberculosis framework to integrate protections for individuals affected by tuberculosis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer, and ensuring safeguards for healthcare workers.

The committee aims to strengthen human rights instruments through this legislation.