The Kaduna State Government has reported a substantial improvement in the detection of tuberculosis cases.
According to the state Commissioner for Health, Umma Kaltume-Ahmed, a total of 32,297 cases were detected in 2023, compared to 21,557 cases in 2022.
Speaking at a press conference held in Kaduna on Thursday to commemorate the 2024 Tuberculosis Day, Kaltume-Ahmed emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This represents an increase of 49.8 per cent compared to 2022. This case detection rate represents 159 per cent of the state TB case detection target.”
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that contributed to this progress, the commissioner attributed the improvement to enhanced support from the state government and development partners. She highlighted the theme of the 2024 World TB Day, ‘Yes, We Can End TB,’ and emphasized the global commitment to end the TB epidemic by 2030.
Despite the strides made, Commissioner Kaltume-Ahmed underscored the ongoing threat that tuberculosis pose.
“Each day, over 4,100 people lose their lives to TB, and close to 28,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease.”
Highlighting the state’s commitment to expanding TB services, Kaltume-Ahmed stated that 78 percent of facilities in Kaduna State now provide TB services.
In closing, Kaltume-Ahmed reiterated the collective responsibility in combating TB, calling on all stakeholders to join hands with the Kaduna State Government in ending the disease and saving lives. She urged individuals experiencing prolonged coughing to seek testing, reassuring them that diagnosis and treatment are readily available and free of charge in the state.
Also, in the fight against tuberculosis, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) donated N1 billion towards the country’s goal to end tuberculosis by 2030.
She added that the contribution is a ‘call to action’ and encouragement to everyone to join hands in ending the disease.
