Anambra recorded over 8,000 tuberculosis cases in 2022, says commissioner

The Anambra government says it detected more than 8,000 tuberculosis (TB) cases in the state in 2022.

Speaking on Friday at a news conference to mark the 2023 World Tuberculosis Day, Afam Obidike, the state commissioner of health, said there’s a need to intensify efforts to reduce tuberculosis prevalence in Nigeria.

The World TB Day is commemorated on March 24.

“This is why Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has remained focused in making sure that TB programme is given all the necessary attention to end the scourge in our time,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“For the past one year, 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 percent detection, which made the state win 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 8,000 cases are currently being treated at the 800 health facilities that offer TB treatment in the state.”

The commissioner called on anyone who notices symptoms of tuberculosis to visit the nearest government hospital for early detection and treatment.

“TB is treatable and curable if detected early,” he said.

“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.”