The Health Ministry of Nasarawa State reported that at least 7,345 residents of the state were affected by the dangerous tuberculosis disease in 2023.
Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the state's Health Commissioner, revealed this information to reporters in Lafia during a press event marking the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day themed ‘Yes, we can end TB’.
The commissioner stated that the cases were found across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, and 21 percent of the victims were co-infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Gwamna, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Damina John, expressed concern that without proper measures to control the disease's spread, it could seriously threaten many state residents.
He mentioned, “Nasarawa State detected 7,345 TB cases in the year 2023; 21 percent of whom are co-infected with HIV. This number is quite higher than that of the previous year, 2022, which was 5,445 with 18 percent co-infection with HIV.
“This indicates that TB is still common in the state. Therefore, there is a need to increase our efforts in combating this problem.
“The contributions from some of the LGAs to the total recorded in 2023 are as follows: Awe LGA – 179; Obi LGA – 350; Wamba LGA – 178; Nassarawa Eggon LGA – 682; Nassarawa LGA – 1,846; Toto LGA – 143, among others.”
The commissioner further explained that the success rate of TB treatment in the state was currently at 89 percent, and the state has not yet met the 95 percent target set by the National TB Control Programme, so more work needs to be done.
Gwamna emphasized the state government’s dedication to ensuring good healthcare for its large population. He also stated that the ministry would continue collaborating with partners to reduce TB cases and eventually eradicate the disease.
“At present, the state has 382 TB/DOTS treatment centers. Efforts are being made to extend TB services to more remote areas for easier access.
“TB is a public health concern as it is highly contagious and airborne. It is commonly associated with symptoms such as a cough for two weeks or more, low-grade fever, persistent weight loss, chest pain, night sweats, among others.
“The Nasarawa State Government is determined to provide good, quality and affordable healthcare services to its citizens. To end TB in Nasarawa State and beyond, effective strategies must be put in place to eliminate the disease,” the commissioner added.
