NASARAWA STATE RECORDS OVER 7000 CASES OF TUBERCULOSIS IN 2023.

BY MARY OJIJI.

No fewer than 7,345 cases of Tuberculosis disease also known as TB was recorded in Nasarawa state in the year 2023.
The Commissioner for Health in the state Dr. Shekwonugaza Dogara Gwomna, disclosed this at a press conference to commemorate the 2024 World TB Day where he said 6 local governments out of the 13 in the state contributed to the 7,345 recorded cases, they include Awe-179, Obi-350, Wamba-178, Nasarawa Eggon-682, Nasarawa-1,846 and Toto- 143.

Dr. Gwomna added that “the burden of TB in the state is still high. Nasarawa State detected 7,345 TB cases last year, 21% of whom are co-infected with HIV. This number is quite higher than that of the previous year 2022 which is 5,445 with 18% co-infection with HIV. This shows that TB is still prevalent in the state. There is the need therefore, to intensify our efforts in the to fight against this menace”.

The theme for this year is, ‘Yes, we can end TB’. This is a call for all hands to be on deck in the fight against this highly infectious disease. The treatment success rate for TB in the state for the 4th quarter of 2023 was 89%, yet to meet the target of 95% set by the National TB Control Programme, hence much still needs to be done.

“To improve on its TB case detection, the Honourable commissioner reiterated that Nasarawa State finds it necessary to commemorate the 2024 World TB Day, as observance of this day will help to increase the awareness of health workers and the public on Tuberculosis. The emphasis is on the mode of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and where these centers are located in the State. Currently, the State has 382 TB/DOTS treatment centers, also, efforts are on to expand TB services to more remote areas for easy accessibility”.

Dr Gwomna stressed that, Nasarawa State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, The Executive Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule is committed to ensuring good healthcare delivery for its teaming population. The Government has continually provided budget for the TB Programme in the State and the Ministry of Health works in collaboration with partners to reduce to the barest minimum, cases of TB in the state and subsequent eradication of the disease.

The United Nations through the World Health Organization set March 24th of every year to commemorate the day which was when the organism Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that causes the disease entity called Tuberculosis (TB) was discovered.
If we must end TB in Nasarawa State and beyond, workable strategies must be put in place to eliminate the disease. This can be achieved through awareness creation and health education, particularly through the Media. Anyone that coughs for two weeks or more is presumed to have TB and should avail himself/herself for tests.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Damina John, while appreciating the media, said the State especially the Ministry of Health is aware of the enormous contributions to the health sector in terms of awareness creation on important health related issues and Programmes. We are ever grateful to you for your contributions to the health system strengthening.

He further said, this Government is ready to partner with stakeholders and organizations that are ready to contribute to the welfare of its citizens in terms of health system strengthening, like your good selves.
TB is a disease of public health interest as it is highly infectious and airborne. It is commonly said ‘TB anywhere is TB everywhere.’

TB is commonly associated with the following signs and symptoms: Cough for two weeks or more that is productive of sputum or not; low grade fever; persistent weight loss; chest pain; night sweats and more.