Tuberculosis curable, treatment free in Enugu -Commissioner

The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi, says that tuberculosis is curable and its treatment is free in Enugu State.

He also noted that the state recorded 2,496 confirmed cases of Tuberculosis in 2022.

Obi, who disclosed this at a press conference to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day in the state, revealed that data for 2023 is still being collated, appealing to residents with persistent coughs to go to any nearby healthcare facility for screen and treatment.

While noting that treatment of tuberculosis is completely free, the health commissioner said the state is providing TB Services in 597 Health facilities across the state.

Obi said the theme of this year’s World Tuberculosis Day 2024, is “Yes, We Can End TB,” adding that it is celebrated globally on March 24 annually.

According to the World Health Organisation, Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria.

Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs called pulmonary tuberculosis. It can also affect other parts of the body extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

However, some of the infections remain as latent tuberculosis with no symptoms. About 10 per cent of the latent infection progresses to active disease and can kill if left untreated.

Addressing reporters, Obi explained that Tuberculosis remains a global public health problem, with developing countries bearing the highest burden.

“Nigeria is first in Africa and sixth in the world among countries with highest TB burden. In 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people developed active TB globally,” he said.

Obi, however, explained that symptoms of active TB are, “Chronic cough with blood containing mucus, Fever, Night sweats and Weight loss,” however, he noted that infections of other parts of the body can cause a wide range of symptoms.

“Tuberculosis is spread from one person to another through the air when people have active TB in their lungs cough, spit, speak, or sneeze. People with latent infection do not spread the diseases. Active infection occurs more in people with HIV/AIDS and smokers.”

The health commissioner said diagnosis of TB “is based on chest x-ray, microscopy, genexpert and culture of fluids.

“Latent TB can be diagnosed on tuberculin skin tests or blood tests,” while prevention of tuberculosis “is through health education (primary level of prevention), screening those with high risk, early detection and treatment of cases, and vaccination with BCG.”

“In all, tuberculosis is curable,” he said, adding “tuberculosis treatment is free. Thanks to the Global fund, Federal Ministry of Health, Enugu state ministry, and all TB supporting partners sponsoring the services. If you have any of the above symptoms, go to any health facility around you,” he advised.