Borno state government has traced and diagnosed over five thousand Tuberculosis TB cases across the twenty seven local government areas of the state in 2023.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana made this known at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day in Maiduguri.
He also said more than ten thousand suspected cases are still being traced in an effort to completely eradicate the scourge in the state.
“Last year, we were not able to capture the expected 16,000 people with suspected TB cases, instead we only zoomed on only 5,000 on average because of insurgency and displacement” Gana said.
He explained that with the restoration of peace, the ministry of Health has step up TB case detection across the state, noting that Tuberculosis services will be provided in all the local government areas as TB diagnosis and treatment is free.
“Our dear people of Borno State should understand that Tuberculosis can be completely prevented and only one injection, and this injection has been in existence for many years “
World Health Organization WHO State Coordinator, Dr Salisu Ibrahim represented by Dr Aisha Kadai said the Organisation in collaboration with Borno state government have conducted the training of sixty Tuberculosis control managers in a renewed effort to tackle the disease.
He assured that WHO will continue to provide technical support, drugs and commodities to ensure adequate case detection, treatment and data management.
Programme Manager, State Tuberculosis Control Programme, Dr Ali Imam stressed the need for community, traditional and religious leaders and other partners to collaborate with the government to effectively fight the disease.
Two of the TB survivors Noah Moses and Hadiza Mustapha said they have struggled with the disease for almost one year.
According to them, early diagnosis and proper medical treatment, have helped overcome the life-threatening disease.
Tuberculosis is a disease of public health concern and accounts for more than ten percent of all deaths in the county.
Recently, there have been surge in TB cases in Borno state due to the protracted Boko Haram conflict, displacement and under nutrition, which the state government described as a grave concern.
The theme for the 2024 celebration is Yes we can end Tuberculosis.
Cov/Dauda Iliya.