Anambra: One in 13 residents infected with tuberculosis

Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, programme manager, Anambra state Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Management, says one in every 13 residents of Anambra is infected with tuberculosis.

Chukwulobelu was speaking on Friday during an advocacy visit to Charles Nwoji, the state director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in Awka.

According to NAN, he said the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2020 global report classified Nigeria as a country with a high burden of tuberculosis in Africa.

He said more than 1,200 cases of tuberculosis have been diagnosed in Anambra in the first quarter of 2021 but many patients are left undiagnosed.

“No fewer than 18 Nigerians die every hour of TB and one case of untreated TB can infect between 10 and 15 persons per year,” he said.

“Anambra is among the high burden states in the country. It was estimated that one in every 13 residents have TB.

“In the first quarter of 2021, about 1,200 TB cases were diagnosed in Anambra and we still need to do more because there is a huge number of TB patients in communities that are not notified.”

Chukwulobelu blamed lack of funds and low awareness for the high burden of TB in the state.

According to him, it is important to seek the NOA’s collaboration in order to sensitise the public on the prevention, causes and symptoms of tuberculosis.

“People’s knowledge of tuberculosis in Anambra is low; we have discovered that only few residents have knowledge about tuberculosis,” he said.

“Tuberculosis, which is an airborne disease, is treatable and curable if detected early and we want to inform people through this collaboration that the diagnosis and treatment for TB is free in over 600 DOT centres in the state.

“Persistent cough of two weeks or more duration may be due to TB and needs to be further investigated to prevent spreading the germ to others.

“We are appealing to residents to report suspected cases of tuberculosis in their communities to the nearest healthcare centre for appropriate action.”

Responding, Nwoji promised to support the programme by raising awareness on the challenges of the disease and the necessary measures to be taken to reduce its prevalence in the state.