600,000 Nigerians infected with TB—Commissioner

The Ogun State Commissioner for health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye has said that 600,000 Nigerians are infected with various degrees of Tuberculosis (TB) across the Country.

Ipaye, who made this known while marking the World Tuberculosis Day in Abeokuta,  said only 15 per cent cases had being detected out of the 600,000 persons, adding that 2,500 of TB cases was detected in Ogun annually out of the 16,000 cases that ought to be captured.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, said the theme of the event “UNITE TO END TB” was apt considering the rate at which tuberculosis diseases was fast spreading through the air, noting that TB was a chronic infectious disease that can affect every part of the body, particularly the lungs.

“The State TB control officer will increase the rate of finding TB cases across the 20 Local Government to include the 37 LCDA. It is imperative to note TB is a chronic infectious disease that spread through the air we breath which affects every part of the body especially the lungs,” he said.

The Lagos Regional Director/Senior Programme Manager for Country Director, KNCV/ United State Agency For International Development (USAID), Dr. Nkem Chukwueme, who was represented by Mr. Chidubem Ogbudebe, appreciated the state government for joining in the laudable fight against TB disease, assuring the state of continuous support from KNCV TB Foundation and USAID.

He called on religious, community leaders and media to intensify effort in fighting against TB through all possible means and in any Community they may find themselves,.

According to him, the emergence of drug resistence forms of TB calls for more accurate ways of controlling TB in the country.

Calling on members of the public to report cases of cough that is more than two weeks and above, the State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Officer, Dr. Olukayode Soyinka, said people should stay away from stigmatising people with TB but encourage them to visit the general hospital across the state for free screening and treatment or call the toll free TB line on 08002255282.

Highlight of the event includes a walk to sensitise members of the community, free screening and treatment in commemoration of the World TB day.