As the World Commemorates Tubercoulosis Day, Nasarawa State Government says it detected 5,408 cases of the disease in 2022.
It also said 21 percent of those detected were also infected with HIV/AIDS.
State Commissioner for Health, Ahmed Baba Yahaya made this known at a media briefing in Lafia, also said about 300 children aged zero to 14 were detected with the disease last year.
The Commissioner for Health further called on people who have been coughing for two weeks or more to avail themselves for tests at any of the state’s 15 GeneXpert sites.
The 2023 World Tuberculosis Day is tagged “Yes, We can End TB”. It aim is to inspire hope and encouraging increased investments in the fight against tuberculosis.
More awareness on TB
Meanwhile, some stakeholders in Akure, Ondo State have called for more awareness on tuberculosis given the devastating effects of the disease on patients.
They expressed the belief that a multisectoral collaboration was needed to combat the TB epidemic.
An Advocate against TB, Mrs Folasade Bamigboye said more political will was needed to end the scourge of tuberculosis
She appealed to government and donor agencies to always make tuberculosis drugs available in all health facilities.
Also, FIDA Chairperson in Ondo State, Mrs Jumoke Ogunjebi called for the implementation of WHO recommendations on tuberculosis especially the oral treatment regimens.
On ways of prevention, a medical expert at the Obafemi Awolowo University, ile Ife, Osun state, Dr. Mercy Adeyemi urged people to go for regular medical check-up as the tuberculosis was curable if detected early.
Reporting by Kalu Idika and Olufisoye Adenitan ; Editing by Muzha Kucha and Annabel Nwachukwu