Around 300 patients passed away due to tuberculosis, from a total of over 6,000 cases identified in Ogun State in 2023.
The state has experienced a 100% increase in tuberculosis cases recently.
At the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day event in Abeokuta, the Senior Programme Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Ms Florinda Olawusi, revealed this information while speaking to journalists in the state capital.
Olawusi expressed worry about a 100% increase from 2019. Data from the IHVN and USAID TB-LON 3 project for Ogun State indicated 3,000 cases were recorded in 2019.
She pointed out that 95% of the patients were already undergoing treatment.
“Since the start of the TB long 3 project in Ogun State in 2019, the state diagnosed just over 3,000 cases annually. However, from 2019 to now, for example, in the past year, they diagnosed over 6,000 cases, signifying a large increase. It’s over a 100% rise in the number of cases diagnosed.
“The treatment lasts for six months. Therefore, after six months, once the treatment duration is complete, the patient exits the program. Last year, 6,000 cases were identified and 95% of them were put on treatment,” she stated.
In response to questions about the number of deaths, she mentioned, “There have been some TB-related deaths in the past year. Just over 300 patients died from TB-related causes last year in Ogun State.”
The State Programme Manager for TB and Leprosy Control, Olusola Taiwo, stated, “Staying in overcrowded environments is one of the factors that increases the risk of TB infection, so people should reside where there is good ventilation. They should also practice proper coughing etiquette to prevent the spread of TB germs.”
The World Health Organisation representative, Omotunde Ogunlaja, advised residents to report and visit the nearest health facility if they suspect symptoms.
“We want to inform residents that TB is treatable and can be eradicated. Therefore, anyone displaying signs, such as coughing for two weeks or longer, should visit health facilities and get assessed.
“The assessment is free, and treatment is free. Additionally, those undergoing treatment should not neglect it. They should take their medications,” she added.
