The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) has treated 2,234 Tuberculosis (TB) patients from 2016 to date.
Dr Marnsur Dada, Executive Chairman, BACATMA made this known on Saturday at a ceremony to mark the 2018 World TB Day in Bauchi with the theme: “Wanted Leaders for Free Tuberculosis World.”
The UN General Assembly high-level set March 24 as Word TB Day to accelerate efforts in ending TB and reach all affected people with prevention and care.
According to him, the state TB prevalence is 322 per 100,000, in 2017.
“From 2016 to date, 2234 patients were registered and successfully treated at various locations in the state. The number of TB diagnostic and treatment centres have increased from 23 to 111 and treatment only sites from 55 to 235 in 2017.
The installation of 12 GeneXepert machines in 10 LGAs of the with state of the art equipment for diagnosis of TB with capability of differentiating drugs sensitive and drugs resistant TB. We also engaged in continuous training and retraining of health care workers in management of drugs sensitive and drugs resistant TB, ” he said.
Saying that the agency supplied anti-TB drugs, diagnostic reagents and other commodities needed for the facilities, Dada added that it also carried out continues awareness campaigns and health education through the media on TB prevention and treatment.
The executive chairman said TB can be prevented.
