Tuberculosis claims 35 lives in Nasarawa as infected number rises to 8,190

The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has confirmed that 35 residents lost their lives to Tuberculosis (TB) in 2024, out of the 8,190 cases recorded in the state. The deaths were attributed to the severity of their infections.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, disclosed this in Lafia on Friday during the closing ceremony of activities marking the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day, which began on March 24.

He emphasized the need for collective action against the disease, stating that this year's theme, “Yes, We Can End TB,” serves as a call to intensify efforts in combating the highly infectious illness.

Gwamna revealed that TB cases in Nasarawa increased from 7,275 in 2023 to 8,190 in 2024, with 21% of the patients also co-infected with HIV. The state's TB treatment success rate for the last quarter of 2024 was 89%, falling short of the National TB Control Programme’s target of 95%.

Rising TB Cases Among Children and Working-Age Population

The commissioner noted that 627 children aged 0-14 years were diagnosed with TB in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of total cases—below the national target of 12%. He stressed that TB remains a significant health challenge, particularly among the 15-55 age group, which represents the state's economically active population.

He further disclosed that Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) cases are increasing nationwide, with Nasarawa recording 60 cases in 2024. The state currently has a 10-bed facility at the DRTB Treatment Centre in ERCC Hospital Alushi, which was built and donated by the Agbami Partners in 2017 to support patients experiencing complications due to adverse drug reactions.

Local Government Areas with Highest TB Cases

Dr. Gwamna highlighted some of the LGAs contributing to the high number of TB cases in 2024:

Nasarawa – 1,846 cases

Nasarawa Eggon – 682 cases

Obi – 350 cases

Awe – 179 cases

Wamba – 178 cases

Toto – 143 cases

Call for Awareness and Free Treatment

The commissioner urged residents to be aware of TB symptoms, which include persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, low-grade fever, weight loss, chest pain, and night sweats.

He reaffirmed that both diagnosis and treatment of TB remain free at government healthcare facilities across the state and encouraged residents to get tested if they experience any symptoms.

“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to reducing TB cases and ultimately eradicating the disease. Tuberculosis remains a public health concern because it is highly infectious and airborne,” Gwamna added.

He also emphasized that the TB Control Programme works closely with the HIV Programme to manage co-infected patients effectively.

With TB continuing to pose a major health risk, the state government is calling for greater public awareness and early detection to prevent further fatalities.