Anambra State Government Detects 8,000 TB Cases in 2022

The Anambra State Government says it detected more than 8,000 Tuberculosis (TB), cases against the targeted 13,000 cases in the state in 2022.

Dr Afam Obidike, state’s Commissioner for Health, gave the statistics at a news conference to mark 2023 World Tuberculosis Day, in Awka on Friday.

World TB Day, is commemorated every March 24, to build public awareness that tuberculosis remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year.

Obidike drew attention to the World Health Organisation statement that says about half of all people with TB can be found in eight countries including Nigeria. This is not a good report, hence, we need to intensify efforts to reverse the trend.

“This is why Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has remained focus in making sure that TB programme is given all the necessary attention to end the scourge in our time.

“For the past one year, the TB programme has detected more than 8,000 TB cases against the targeted number of more than 13,000 cases in the state.

“That is about 80 per cent detection which made the state won several national awards as the  best TB programme in the South East in terms of TB cases notification and best Childhood TB notification in Nigeria in 2023.

“These 8000 cases are currently being treated at the 800 health facilities that offer TB treatment in the state.”

The Commissioner described TB as a communicable disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which usually attacks the lungs and could also damage other parts of the body.

According to him, It spreads through the air when a person with tuberculosis of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks.

“TB is treatable and curable if detected early. It may lead to death if not detected and treated early and this is why we want to equip our people with the right knowledge to avoid casualties from TB cases.

“Persistent or chronic cough of more than two weeks which may come with blood-containing mucus, fever, drenching night sweats and weight loss are some of the major symptoms of TB.

“When you notice these symptoms, visit any nearest government hospital for early detection and treatment, ” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Chijioke Oke of KNCV-Nigeria, appreciated the state government for creating an enabling environment for partners to support the state in the fight against TB.

“We have been working with Anambra state government since 2020 and we have improved and advancing into more communities in terms of awareness, case detection and treatment, ” he said.

In his remarks, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, Programme Manager, Anambra State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Management, said that the treatments for all forms of TB is free.

Chukwulobelu thanked the partners for their support in the fight against the spread of TB in the state