Raphael Ede
The Enugu State Government has reiterated the fact that tuberculosis is curable and that it is committed to treating those infected with the disease free of charge.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi, who stated this at a press conference to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day in the state, revealed that 2,496 confirmed TB cases were recorded in 2022.
He, however, said that data for 2023 was still being collated and appealed to residents with persistent coughs to go to any nearby healthcare facility for screening and treatment.
While insisting that treatment of tuberculosis is completely free, the health commissioner said the state is providing TB Services in 597 Health facilities across the state.
Obi said the theme of this year’s World Tuberculosis Day 2024, is “Yes, We Can End TB,” adding that it is celebrated globally on March 24 annually.
According to the World Health Organisation, Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria.
Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs called pulmonary tuberculosis and can also affect other parts of the body – extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
However, some of the infections remain latent tuberculosis with no symptoms, while about 10 per cent of the latent infection progresses to active disease and can kill if left untreated.
Obi explained that Tuberculosis remains a global public health problem, with developing countries bearing the highest burden.
“Nigeria is first in Africa and sixth in the world among countries with the highest TB burden. In 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people developed active TB globally,” he added.
The commissioner explained that symptoms of active TB are chronic cough with blood-containing mucus, fever, night sweats and weight loss.
He, however, noted that infections of other parts of the body can cause a 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 occurs more in people with HIV/AIDS and smokers,” Obi added.
The health commissioner said diagnosis of TB is through chest x-ray, microscopy, genexpert and culture of fluids.
“Latent TB can be diagnosed on tuberculin skin tests 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. TB 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.
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