WTD: 300 die of tuberculosis in Ogun

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), has said in Ogun state, over 6,000 cases of tuberculosis was diagnosed and about 300 lives were lost in the year 2023.

Florinda Olawusi, Senior programme officer, IHVN disclosed this on Monday in Abeokuta while speaking at the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day themed: Tuberculosis Day is “Yes! We can end TB”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that Nigeria has the sixth-highest rate of tuberculosis cases worldwide.

Some of the symptoms are cough (sometimes blood-tinged), weight loss, night sweats, lost of appetite and fever.

Olawusi while bemoaning a 100% rise from 2019 till date Olawusi revealed that, according to data from the IHVN and USAID TB-LON 3 project for Ogun State, 3000 cases were detected in 2019.

She noted that 95% of the patients were already placed on treatment.

“ Since the inception of TB long 3 project in Ogun state which started in 2019, Ogun state was diagnosing a little over 3,000 cases annually but presently from 2019 till now for example last year in 12 month they were able to diagnose over 6,000 cases which is a huge increment. Its over a 100% increase in the number of cases diagnosed.

“ The treatment lasts for six months so what that means is that after six months once the duration of the treatment is complete the patient leaves the program they are cured so they leave so as at last year we were able to identify 6,000 cases and 95% of they were placed on treatment.

“ Yes there have been some TB related death in the past year, a little over 300 patients died from TB related causes last year in Ogun state.

Olusola Taiwo, the state programme manager for TB and Leprosy Control attributed the high increase to over crowding.

“ One of the predisposing factor for TB infection is staying in over crowded environment, so people should stay where there is good ventilation, indiscriminate pit and they should try to put on their coughing etiquette to prevent the spreading of TB germs”.

The WHO representative, Omotunde Ogunlaja, however urged residents to speak out and contact nearest health facility if symptoms are suspected

“ We just like to tell the residents that TB is curable and we can end it so anybody that shows the signs, coughing for two weeks or more should go to the health facilities and get themselves accessed.

“ The assessment is free and treatment is free and also those on the treatment should not be set aside. They should use their drugs” she added.