Gombe records Over 130 TB cases in three months –Official

The co-ordinator of the Tuberculosis Unit of State Specialist Hospital, Gombe, Abare Ayuba, has said that over 130 persons were diagnosed with tuberculosis within three months in 2022  January to March.

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Ayuba made this known during the commemoration of 2022 World TB Day, themed, ‘Invest to end TB Save lives’ on Thursday.

The event marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch, announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which paved the way for diagnosing and treatment of the disease.

World TB Day creates an opportunity to focus on those affected by the disease and to call for accelerated action to end TB suffering and deaths, especially in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since January to date, more than 130 people have been diagnosed with the disease, and we receive about 20 patients daily. The facility is equipped with drugs and testing tools to take care of such demands,” Ayuba said.

The State Project Manager, Mustapha Musa, said treatment of TB cases is free, but lamented that mortality was on the increase.

Musa said, “Mortality rate is very high and is worst amongst patients who are immunocompromised for whatever cause. However, treatment is available and is for free.”

“We all have a role to play to reduce morbidity and mortality from Tuberculosis if we can only make a conscious effort to check that cough. To check, all you need to do is to submit your sputum in the laboratory.”

PHW