Anambra State Government has marked the 2024 WorldTuberculosis Day with an assurance to increase intervention campaigns against the deadly disease.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a press briefing to commemorate the day at the Tuberculosis Data Situation Room, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka.
According to Dr. Obidike, World Tuberculosis Day holds profound significance for the state as it provides opportunity to raise awareness about Tuberculosis, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, and to reaffirm commitment to combating the global health threat.
The Health Commissioner noted that the data compiled by the State Ministry of Health and reports from the Nigeria Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Bruli Ulcer Control Programme show that the state tested one hundred and thirty-eight thousand persons in 2023, and notified thirteen thousand one hundred and twenty cases.
The World Health Organization, WHO, has maintained that Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers, and that about four thousand one hundred people die from the disease daily globally.
Dr. Obidike further revealed that about half of people with Tuberculosis can be found in eight countries namely; Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and South Africa, and that the ministry, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has implemented robust Tuberculosis control programmes, working in close partnership with national and international health agencies, non-governmental organizations and community stakeholders.
He made it clear that the current administration treatment for all forms of Tuberculosis in the state is free, and that there are more than eight hundred facilities that offer Tuberculosis treatment in Anambra.
Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization, Mr. Ndubuisi Orji said the organization will continue to support the state in ensuring the eradication of the disease.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ” Yes we can end TB, no gree for TB, check am o” while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, the State Tuberculosis Project Coordinator, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, the State Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Aneme, were among dignitaries that attended the event.
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