The Anambra State Government says it recorded no fewer than 3,000 new cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in 2020
The Commissioner for Health,Dr Vincent Okpala, disclosed this at a news conference to mark the 2021 World Tuberculosis Day in Awka.
Okpala said the state was among the 22 high burden states with the disease in the country.
He , however added that the state government was committed to controlling the spread and sustaining interventions aimed at eliminating the scourge of the disease
He noted that the theme of the 2021 World TB Day is apt as it captured the need for increased action as the world I’d running out of time to stamp out tuberculosis
The Commissioner said the world is running out of time to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders adding that ” this is especially critical in the context of of the Covid-19 pandemic that has out put TB progress at risk.and to ensure equitable access to prevention and care,in line with World Health Organisation’s directive.”
He said the state was working with donor agencies to accelerate efforts and ensure a TB- free state.
The Deputy Programme Manager, Tuberculosis Leprosy and Bunuli Ulcer Management stressed the need to educate the public on the symptoms of TB and where people could get help
He advised that anyone coughing for two weeks or more should go to the hospital and get treated for TB.
