The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, says the state recorded a total of 2,496 confirmed cases of tuberculosis in 2022.
Obi, who disclosed this at a press conference to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day in the state, revealed that data for the 2023 is still being collated, appealing to residents with persistent cough to go to any nearby healthcare facility for screen and treatment.
While noting that treatment of tuberculosis is completely free, the Health Commissioner, said that the state is providing TB Services in 597 Health facilities across the state.
Obi said that theme of this year’s World Tuberculosis Day 2024, is “Yes, We Can End TB,” adding that is celebrated globally on 24th March annually.
According to World Health Organisation, Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria.
Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs called pulmonary tuberculosis. It can also affect other parts of the body extra pulmonary tuberculosis.
However, some of the infections remains as latent tuberculosis with no symptoms. About 10 percent of the latent infection progress to active disease and can kill if left untreated.
Addressing reporters, Obi explained that Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health problem, with developing countries bearing the highest burden.
“Nigeria is 1st in Africa and 6th in the world among countries with highest TB burden. In 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people developed active TB globally.”
Obi, however, explained that symptoms of active TB are: “Chronic cough with blood containing mucus, Fever, Night sweats and Weight loss,” however, he noted that infections of other part of the body can cause wide range of symptoms.
“Tuberculosis is spread from one person to another through the air when people have active TB in their lungs cough, spit, speak or sneeze. People with latent infection do not spread the diseases. Active infection occur more in people with HIV/AIDS and smokers.”
The health commissioner said that diagnosis of TB “is based on chest x ray, microscopy, genexpert and culture of fluids.
“Latent TB can be diagnosed on tuberculine skin test or blood tests,” while prevention of tuberculosis “is through health education (primary level of prevention), Screening those with high risk, Early detection and treatment of cases and Vaccination with BCG.”
“In all, tuberculosis is curable,” he said, adding “tuberculosis treatment is free. Thanks to the Global fund, Federal Ministry of health, Enugu state ministry and all TB supporting partners sponsoring the services. If you have any of the above symptoms go to any health facility around you,” he advised.
