By: Japneet Singh (Results Volunteer)
In the Kebbi state of Nigeria, nine-year-old Yusuf was diagnosed with drug resistant TB. Suffering from sleepless nights and unable to attend school, the road was tough for Yusuf. Unfortunately, the burden of TB is significantly high in Nigeria, and does not get the attention that is required. A huge number of TB cases go undiagnosed especially among children due to health workers not sufficiently skilled enough to detect childhood TB. No child anywhere in the world should have to go through this when we know it can be avoided.
The Global Fund has made significant progress with TB over the 2 decades. It provides 76% of all International Funding for TB and has treated 7.1 million people with TB in 2023. But they need continuous reliable donor countries for support. Canada should maintain its commitment to the Global Fund and encourage other countries to step up and do their share, so that no other child suffers. The June G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta is a platform for Canada to be a global leader and initiate dialogue with like-minded countries to tackle global challenges like TB.
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