Benue Tops North-Central States In Tuberculosis Diagnosis

Benue State has been ranked first among North Central states as one with the highest number of Tuberculosis notifications.

The state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese who made the disclosure noted that this followed an increase in case notifications from 5,000 to over 7,000 tuberculosis cases in 2023, just as Nigeria also ranked first in Africa and 6th among the 30 high burden countries globally.

Benue State Tuberculosis and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme’s manager, Dr Terence Akighir informed that out of the 7,273 cases of persons diagnosed of TB and placed on treatment, 109 are drugs resistant persons who needs special care.

Dr. Ortese disclosed this in Makurdi during a press briefing organised by Breakthrough Action Nigeria and other partners to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis day celebration.

He said the increase in the TB annual case notification was achieved through the introduction of the ‘Wellness on Wheel,’ also known as ‘WoW Truck’, an initiative conceived to aid on-the-spot diagnosis.

According to Ortese, ” the WoW Truck is a state-of-the-art technology operationalised on a mobile truck housing a digital X-ray machine, two 4 modular GeneXpert machines and a Level-2 bio-safety cabinet, with the collaborative efforts of the State Ministry of Health and Human Services and the United States Agency For International Development USAID through the TB local organisations network project implemented by KNCV.”

He described the WoW Truck as a game-changer in TB case diagnosis and notification which he said has aided the State in wining national award on achieving 20 per cent increase in TB case notification which has raised the annual case notification from 5,000 to over 7,000 in the year 2023 with Benue leading the North Central with 72 per cent.

The Commissioner added that with the theme, “Yes We Can End TB,” the project serves as a reminder that TB is curable and that the state can win the battle against the disease with swift and decisive response to ensure that no one is left behind in the efforts to end TB.

In order to achieve this, the Commissioner said, “we must strengthen our healthcare systems and ensure that quality TB services are accessible to all.”

He also advocated for the measures to address the social determinants of TB such as poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, as well as engaging partnership and collaboration at all levels and affected communities to share knowledge, resources and best practices.

The State Coordinator of Breakthrough-Action Nigeria, Dr. Victor Onah commended all partners for coming together to fight against tuberculosis in Benue State.