The Bauchi State government treated about 7,435 Tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2023 across the 20 local government areas of the state.
Our Correspondent reports that Tuberculosis (TB), is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; which most commonly affects the lungs.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Adamu Sambo stated this at a news conference to commemorate 2024 World TB Day on Sunday in Bauchi.
He said this year’s World TB Day with a theme, “Yes! And a slogan, “We Can End TB”. This affords us the opportunity to assess progress made towards achieving the End TB Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sambo said the government successfully treated about 7, 435 thereby achieving a 96% Treatment Success Rate (TSR) at the end of 2023.
“It is gratifying to inform you that, in 2023 Bauchi State detected and notified 9, 332 Drug Susceptible TB Cases in 2023 as against 7, 806 in 2022.
“With an estimated TB Target of 16, 092 in 2023, the State had achieved a 57.9% performance in TB Case Notification. And out of the 7, 730 New TB Cases detected and registered for Treatment in 2022,,” he said
Dr Sambo, represented by Dr Sulaiman Auwal, Director Medical Service of the Ministry said the current commitment of the State Government under the leadership of Govt Bala Mohammed, BACATMA has made significant progress in terms of TB Control both at the State and LGA Levels.
“There are currently 794 FREE TB Treatment Centers, 127 TB Diagnostic Centers and 16 GeneXpert, threeTruenat and Eight TB Lamp Machines which are the latest machines that diagnose both the Drug Sensitive TB bacteria and the Drug-Resistant Strain of the bacteria that cause Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR-TB) form of TB.
“It is interesting to note that all the 20 LGAs in Bauchi State have at least one of the latest machines for Molecular Diagnosis of TB.
“Our united effort is needed to reach those at highest risk for TB and to identify and implement innovative strategies to improve Testing and Treatment among high- risk populations,” he said
Dr Sambo calls on all stakeholders; International Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Religious and Traditional/Community Leaders, Private Sectors to join the drive to roll out this strategy to reach, treat and cure all those who are ill from TB today.
The Commissioner lauded the efforts of Breakthrough Action for complementing the efforts of the state government on treatment of tuberculosis and the public health sector.
He said this year’s commemoration will come with a series of activities aimed at increasing awareness and active TB Case search in the state this week.
On his part, Dr Yakubu Gide, Director Tuberculosis and Leprosy at the State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) appreciate numerous Donors Partners; WHO, BA-Nig, KNCV, GGHN, SFH, Pro-Health International,
“JHF SUFABEL, TLMN, LTR, GHSC-PSM, the Private Sector, CSOs and CBOs working in the State, as we look forward to a sustained and even a better Partnership,” he said.
