The National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy Control Program has stated that over 2,000 positive tuberculosis cases have been detected in the first half of 2023 in Plateau State.
Dr. Shedrack Dimang, the North Central Zonal Medical Officer in charge of the (NTBLCP), stated this on Monday in Jos at the start of the national tuberculosis testing week. Dimang stated that the positive cases were discovered in hospitals and outreach centers around the state.
“The rise in case detection is a result of an increase in public awareness and the public doing away with misconceptions as regards the disease.
“The week-long testing aims to create awareness about tuberculosis and to also intensify TB case findings.
“We also aim at putting those vulnerable to developing active TB on preventive treatment and preventing community spreading, as every undiagnosed and untreated case could infect 15 people within a year,’’ he said.
Dimang stated that throughout the testing week, those found would be swiftly placed on treatment, and those who tested positive would be promptly notified.
He stated that the measure would help address the issue of low TB case detection due to low illness awareness.
Similarly, Dr. Bunmi Alagbe, Breakthrough Action’s Programme Officer in Charge of TB, stated that the goal of the week was to boost TB case detection because Plateau State has a high prevalence rate.
According to Alagbe, about 3,670 cases of tuberculosis were found in 2022.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, stated that the purpose of the week was to raise huge awareness of tuberculosis through community outreaches, as the weeklong test will take place in the state’s 17 local government areas.
