The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam has submitted that in 2023, Tuberculosis claimed about 1,869 lives in Kwara.
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs, with symptoms such as persistent bad cough, chest pain, and breathlessness
El-Imam, who spoke on Monday in Ilorin while delivering a speech at the commemoration of the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, explained that the disease continues to claim over 4,000 lives daily globally.
She stressed the importance of investigating all cases and ensuring that patients receive anti-TB drugs.
“It is only when all active cases are treated that we can break the chain of transmission of Tuberculosis.”
“The Kwara State Ministry of Health remains committed to finding cases of Tuberculosis wherever they may be.
“We are intensifying community sensitization and active case search using our well-established structures of community informants, surveillance officers, and community TB/HIV workers,” she affirmed.
El-Imam highlighted the Kwara Government’s collaboration with partners to ensure zero costs for Tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for patients.
She acknowledged Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s commitment to strengthening the state’s capacity for Tuberculosis diagnosis and services across all wards.
Also speaking, the wife of the Kwara governor, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, represented by Ganiyu Opeloyeru, the Director-General of Ajike People’s Support Center, reiterated government’s commitment to eliminate tuberculosis and promote a healthy Kwara.
Abdulrazaq urged all residents to report suspected tuberculosis cases in their communities to reduce the risk of infection.
Also, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode emphasized the importance of citizens supporting the various healthcare efforts of the present administration to help reduce TB spread, echoing this year’s theme.
Highlight of the 2024 World TB Day includes an outreach to Mandate Market, Ilorin, where people were tested for Tuberculosis free of charge.
NAN
