Tuberculosis: 170,000 Screened, 13,000 Returned Positive In 2023 – Oyo Health Commissioner
Oyo state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi has revealed that a total number of one hundred and seventy thousand (170,000) residents were screened for tuberculosis in Oyo state in 2023.
Dr. Ajetunmobi, however disclosed that, out of the 170,000 people screened, thirteen thousand, (13,000) result returned positive and were placed on free treatment in its health facilities across the state.
The commissioner dropped the hints in Ibadan while flagging off the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day celebration.
Dr. Ajetunmobi who hinted that there are also cases of TB infection among children, said Oyo state has only been able to record five percent out of the fifteen percent national TB case finding target, but gave assurance that the state was working tirelessly to ensure it meet up the target.
Represented by the director of public health, Dr Akintunde Babatunde at the event held at Ibadan Northeast local government secretariate, Iwo road, Dr. Ajetunmobi explained that the state government in collaboration with development partners has provided free TB services across 684 health facilities in the 33 LGAs with an ongoing expansion of TB services in all nooks and crannies of the State.
She said with the flag off of this year’s world TB day, there would be free TB testing in communities across all LGAs starting from 25th March, 2024, urging people with cough of more than two weeks to avail themselves of the opportunity to screen and receive free treatment if tested positive.
“TB knows no boundaries. It affects individuals regardless of their race, gender, socio-economic status, or geographical location. It thrives in conditions of poverty, overcrowding, and inadequate healthcare, making it not only a issue but also a socio-economic one.
“Therefore, tackling TB requires a comprehensive approach that addresses not only medical interventions but also the underlying social determinants of health. Progress has been made in recent years.
“Innovations in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention have improved outcomes for many TB patients. However, much work remains to be done.
Earlier in an address, Executive Chairman, Ibadan Northeast Local Government, Mr. Ibrahim Akintayo disclosed that he had approved the release of funds to support Multi drug resistant TB patients in his local government as the council has been identified as one of the LGAs with the highest number of new TB cases, and highest number of MD-R TB cases lost to follow up.
He said “Currently Nigeria is among the 14 countries in the world with the highest burden for TB, TB/HIV and multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB).
“Also in Oyo State, Ibadan North East is one of the LGAs with the highest number of new TB cases, and highest number of MD-R TB cases lost to follow up. On a brighter note, IBNE is the overall 3rd best in case finding activities in Oyo State, with room for more improvement (2023 DHIS2 Data).
“For these reasons, I have approved the release of funds to support Multi drug resistant TB patients in Ibadan North East in order to minimize the proportion of cases lost to follow up and dangerous treatment interruptions.
“I hope to make this support more regular with time, and also support other TB/HIV control activities in Ibadan North East LGA in particular.
In an interview, Oyo State Director, USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, a major development partner in the fight against TB, Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung appealed to members of the public not stigmatize against people with Tuberculosis.
Representatives of other development partners who spoke at the event urged people with cough of more than two weeks and with chest pain to present themselves for screening and free treatment.
