The Bauchi State Government said it recorded 5,652 Drug Susceptible Tuberculosis cases in 2021.
Dr Sama’ila Kaila, the state Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure at a news conference to mark the 2022 World Tuberculosis Day, on Thursday in Bauchi.
The World Tuberculosis Day is marked every March 24, to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease.
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The Commissioner who was represented by Dr Alkali Sambo, Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Hospital Board, said that 94 per cent of the 4,430 cases detected in 2020 had been treated successfully.
Kaila said that the state had established 719 free TB treatment centres, 127 diagnostic centres and 15 GeneXpert machines, among other facilities.
He said the state adopted proactive measure to encourage collective approach towards improving its active case search strategies, testing and treatment among the high risk population.
“This year’s celebration will be a series of activities, aimed at creating awareness through radio programmes.
“Free testing and treatment for TB, COVID19, HIV/AIDS and Malaria, will also be conducted.
“Other programmes include community outreach and active case search across the 20 local government areas of the state,” he said.
According to him, food items will be distributed to leprosy and tuberculosis patients across the state.
Iin his remark, Dr Sani Dambam, Chairman, Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria, (BACATMA), acknowledged the support of development partners in the fight against the spread of the diseases.
He reiterated the commitment of the agency towards the provision of quality healthcare services to stem spread of Malaria and infectious diseases in the state. (NAN)
