Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, and usually affects the lungs and other parts of the body. Patients with HIV infection are particularly more susceptible to wider varieties of mycobacterium strains. This study discussed integrated strategies of tuberculosis prevention and control for improved population health. The study discussed relevant documents and literatures written in English Language from reorganized websites. Key words were used individually and in series with truncations where necessary.

Government can aid the control of tuberculosis by providing good shelter, improved mass literacy programmes on the predisposing factors and prevention. The need to improve the standard of living, reduction of hunger and starvation is essential. The incidence worldwide stood at the rate of 10-20/100,000 per year with low mortality; deaths occurring mainly in the elderly and occasionally in undiagnosed cases. About 10% of all HIV-positive individuals harbor TB. That is 400 times the rate associated with the public. Only 3-4% of infected individuals develop the active disease upon initial infection, 5-10% within one year. In cases of HIV infection the percentages are much higher because HIV infection tends to fuel the reactivation of existing TB infection as well as promote new infections. Integrated strategies will reduce the prevalence of TB especially among the HIV positive patients that are more vulnerable. Promotion of rational drug use, scaling up disease surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, and improving access to diagnostic centers are essential for improved prevention and control. Government policies targeted towards overcrowding prevention, and increased funding for TB research and development will boost and sustain already existing efforts. These processes in a continuum will boost sustainability.

Keyword: Tuberculosis; Drug resistance; Disease prevention; Public health; Health promotion; Nigeria; Patient care; Rational drug use