CROSSROADS May 2018 | Page 19

WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY March 22, 2018 U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission David J. Young addresses staff at the 2018 World TB Day commemoration A staff member of USAID answers a question about tuberculosis at the World TB event by Zack Taylor T o mark World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24, a week- long series of activities were kicked off on March 19 with free screenings at Utako Motor Park in Abuja, where hundreds of people gather daily for transport to various destinations outside the capital.   To mark World TB Day on March 24, an interagency team at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria organized an event to build awareness among the staff about the disease, featuring remarks from Mission leadership, the Embassy medical officer, a theatrical sketch, and a visit from the U.S.-supported ‘Wellness on Wheels’ truck that brings fast TB diagnosis to communities across the country. Hosted by the USAID-supported Challenge TB project, more than 200 screenings were conducted from the ‘Wellness on Wheels’ truck equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment and an x-ray machine.   During the week, a USAID representative was interviewed on local radio and television stations to raise awareness of TB. U.S. Embassy Regional Medical Officer Dr. Dawn Osterholt makes a presentation on TB to Embassy staff A theatrical troupe performs a skit on TB awareness, prevention, and treatment The USAID-supported ‘Wellness on Wheels’ truck stopped by the Embassy on World TB Day