No fewer than 8, 277 TB patients, representing 96 percent of the total burden, have been placed on treatment in Kano State which is the highest quarterly TB notification ever in Nigeria.
The Kano state Commissioner of Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen, as part of activities to commemorate 2023 National Tuberculosis Testing week.
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He said Kano being the most populous state in Nigeria, is one of the five high TB burden states, where the TB burden stood at 34,547, which represents expected notification of 8, 637 TB patients quarterly.
Dr. Labaran pointed out that within the last few months, the Kano State government in collaboration with partners has done a lot in curtailing TB burden and transmission.
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The Commissioner said expansion of TB diagnostic equipment to cover distant communities, deployment of mobile screening tools and machines, sustenance of TB services in correctional facilities, military barracks, police academy, custom, tertiary institutions among others, has yielded positive results.
He urged Kano residents to visit the nearest health facility for TB screening, early diagnosis and prompt treatment free of charge.
Dr. Labaran reiterated Kano State Government’s commitment in mitigating diseases and uplifting healthcare delivery to international standards.
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“Kano State Government in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health through the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program and our partners have joined hands together to commemorate the day and called on the good people of the state to come out en mass and get screened for TB free of charge,” he said.
The theme of the 2023 National Tuberculosis Testing Week is “Yes We Can End TB, Get Involved.”
