By Chinedum Treasure
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Anambra State chapter, has called for stronger surveillance systems and intervention measures to tackle the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) from animals to humans.
The call was made during a public enlightenment campaign at Umunya Slaughter House in Oyi Local Government Area to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2026, themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
The campaign featured radio sensitization, public awareness activities, and meat inspection.
State Chairman of NVMA, Dr. Victor Ughaerumba, said ending TB in the state is achievable with sustained government investment. He also advocated for the establishment of modern abattoirs and functional veterinary diagnostic centres to improve disease detection.
During an inspection of slaughtered cattle, Ughaerumba stressed the importance of proper testing and reporting of suspected cases to prevent public health risks.
“We must complement physical inspection with laboratory testing to avoid errors and ensure safer food for the public,” he said.
Chairman of Onyeaghananwanneya Butchers Association, Umunya, Mr. Chinwuba Uba, commended the initiative, describing it as life-saving and crucial to public health. He pledged that members would adhere to proper hygiene standards in meat handling.
A butcher, Chief Chidiebere Nwankwo, also promised to apply the knowledge gained to improve safety practices in meat processing.
Tags:
Anambra, Tuberculosis, NVMA, Public Health, Food Safety, Veterinary Medicine, Zoonotic Diseases, Meat Inspection, Nigeria Health News, World TB Day
