Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, has submitted that in 2023, the state recorded 1,869 tuberculosis cases.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs, with symptoms such as a persistent bad cough, chest pain, and breathlessness.

Ms El-Imam, who spoke on Monday in Ilorin while delivering a speech at the commemoration of 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, explained that the disease continues to claim over 4,000 lives daily globally.

She stressed the importance of investigating all cases and ensuring patients receive anti-TB drugs.

“The Kwara State Ministry of Health remains committed to finding tuberculosis cases wherever possible.

“We are intensifying community sensitisation and active case search using our well-established structures of community informants, surveillance officers, and community TB/HIV workers,” she affirmed.

Ms El-Imam highlighted the Kwara government’s collaboration with partners to ensure zero costs for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for patients.

She acknowledged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s commitment to strengthening the state’s capacity for tuberculosis diagnosis and services across all wards.

Also, the governor’s wife, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminate tuberculosis and promote a healthy Kwara.

Mr Abdulrazaq urged all Kwara residents to report suspected tuberculosis cases in their communities to reduce the risk of infection.

Oluwatosin Fakayode, the director of public health, emphasised the importance of citizens supporting the various healthcare efforts of the present administration to help reduce TB spread, echoing this year’s theme.

(NAN)