Tuberculosis k!lls 35 in Nasarawa

Nasarawa State Government said that 35 people d!ed from tuberculosis (TB)-related complications across the state in 2024. 

The Nasarawa state Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, disclosed this at a press conference in Lafia on Friday, March 28, to mark the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day. 

He revealed that the state recorded 8,190 TB cases in 2024, with 21 per cent of the patients co-infected with HIV. 

“Unfortunately, 35 of these individuals did not survive. 

“The TB prevalence rate in 2024 was higher than in 2023, when we recorded 7,275 cases, with 18 per cent of them co-infected with HIV,” he said. 

He noted that TB remained a significant health challenge in the state and called for intensified efforts to combat its spread. 

To address the issue, the commissioner said the state government and its partners had ramped up awareness campaigns and increased the number of treatment centers to ensure easier access for those with TB symptoms. 

“As of December 2024, Nasarawa State had 386 directly observed therapy, short course (DOTS) treatment centers across all 13 local government areas (LGAs) for easy access,” he said. 

He further explained that the state had a drug-resistant TB (DRTB) Treatment Center at ERCC Hospital, Alushi—a 10-bed facility built, equipped, and donated by Agbami Partners in 2017 as a Chest Clinic. 

“This center caters to DRTB patients experiencing complications, particularly those suffering from adverse drug reactions,” he added. 

Providing a breakdown of TB cases in 2024, Gwamna listed the following statistics for some LGAs: Awe, 179 cases; Obi, 350; cases;Wamba, 178 cases; Nassarawa-Eggon, 682 cases; Nasarawa; 1,846 cases, and Toto: 143 cases.