Delta State ranks the 11th highest Tuberculosis (TB) burden state among the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria, just as every untreated patient could infect another 10 to 15 people in one year.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this in Asaba, in his message to the people of the state, as part of activities marking the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day.
The commissioner said of the estimated 13,632 TB cases in the state in 2022, only 4,949 (which was the highest number of cases ever diagnosed in the state) were identified and treated while the remaining 8,683 cases were unidentified.
The theme for this year’s World TB Day is, ‘Yes! We can end TB,’ while the slogan of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP) is ‘No gree for TB! Check am ooh!’
He advocated for more community engagement to end stigmatisation which, he said, will go a long way to break down barriers and foster compassion .
While emphasising the power of collective action and recognising the tireless efforts of health workers, communities and civil society in the control of the infectious disease, Dr Onojaeme called on all to recommit to a tuberculosis-free future.
“On this auspicious celebration of the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day marked on March 24 of every year, I make this speech with a sense of urgency and hope. Our collective efforts can shape the future of TB control in Delta State and it is our duty to take action as a people,” he said.
The commissioner further added that Delta State is playing its part by ensuring access to new diagnostics tools as it has procured 10 colour gene ‘expert’ machines, treatment regimens and made cutting-edge technologies available, hence treatment for TB is free in state government-owned hospitals.
“Delta State continues to play its role in providing the enabling environment for the implementing partners in providing quality TB services such as integrated medical outreaches, funding for focused state supervision of DOTS facilities and training and re-training of the TB team at all levels in the 25 local government areas, as well as ensuring access and opening of new diagnostic sites, support to logistics on shipment of sputum samples and treatment medicines,” the commissioner further disclosed.
Onojaeme called for the scaling up of diagnosis, prevention, treatment and the allocation of resources to combat TB through the investment in innovations, as a new vaccine is on the horizon.
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