Panic as TB cases in Imo increases

The Programme Manager for Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy Control, Imo State, Dr. Charles Okafor, has expressed worry over rise in tuberculosis cases in the state, which is ranked as 8th among the 36 states of Nigeria with the highest number of TB cases.

Okafor, in his keynote address during a sensitisation training organised by Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, for journalists held in Owerri, Imo State capital, noted that in 2022, Imo recorded 4,367 TB cases, “and the majority of the patients are still on treatment.”

Out of this, he said Mbaitoli Local Government recorded the highest number of 800 TB cases, followed by Isiala Mbano and Aboh Mbaise with 602 and 600 cases, while Nkewerre, Owerri West and Onuimo recorded 200 cases each.

Okafor said a projected number of 117,330 Nigerians would be infected by the end of the year if no conscientious effort was made towards creating awareness on tuberculosis and eradicating the deadly disease.

He expressed dismay about the low TB awareness creation in Imo State, stressing that most people in rural communities were still not aware of tuberculosis, thereby spreading the disease among unsuspecting rural populace.

Okafor said low awareness impacted negatively on acceptance of diagnosis, uptake of treatment and adherence to treatment of the infectious disease caused by a germ (bacteria) Bycobacterium Tuberculosis.

“It affects mostly the lungs, but other organs such as the brain, kidneys, joints, bones, skin and abdomen can also be affected if left untreated,” he added.

The programme manager stressed the need for the media and religious leaders to partner National Tuberculosis Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), to create healthful messages around tuberculosis.

The Focal Person, Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation, Imo TB Programme, Amaka Chizoma, highlighted the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB to the participants.

She said the four symptoms used to screen patients included cough for two weeks’ duration or more, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.