The Kano State government has revealed that they treated 36,843 cases of tuberculosis (TB) in 2022.
Abubakar Yusuf, the state’s Commissioner for Health, stated this at an event commemorating the 2024 World TB Day.
The event was held at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano on Saturday, March 23.
“Our 2022 TB burden based on national data stood at 39,420 cases and we were able to notify and treat 36,843 patients (93%) which is the highest-ever notification by any state in Nigeria,” Yusuf said.
The commissioner said the achievement was commendable, explaining that an untreated patient can transmit the disease to up to 10-15 people in one year.
“Kano State government, in collaboration with our partners, has been doing well towards ending tuberculosis by reducing the burden and transmission of the disease. These among others include: approval and release of the state TB and Leprosy counterparts funds for various interventions in the control of the diseases in Kano.
“Deployment of 20 Portable Digital X-ray machines with artificial intelligence on 13th February 2024, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare formally handed over to the Executive Governor of Kano for diagnosis of TB and other diseases. Kano is the first state in Nigeria to receive such a donation.
“It will interest you to know that these 20 X-ray machines cost over N3 billion”, the commissioner said.
10.6 million people developed Tuberculosis worldwide, according to the 2023 Global TB report, which is a 300,000 increase from 2022.
Nigeria is ranked sixth among the 30 high TB-burden countries and first in Africa. Kano State is the most populous state in Nigeria and is among the six highest TB-burden states.
(Premium Times)
