1,939 tuberculosis patients treated within 3 months in Benue

At least 1,939 tuberculosis (TB) patients were treated in Benue State over the past three months, according to Dr. Kaior Akaangee, the State Programme Manager for Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control.

Dr. Akaangee provided an overview of the TB program’s implementation in the state, detailing the policies guiding its activities. He confirmed that the patients were successfully treated and discharged between April 1 and June 30, 2024.

Dr. Akaangee highlighted that the state government actively conducts TB case finding through its TB and Leprosy Control program and DOTS services, which were initiated in Benue State in 2001.

He added that the control program began in four local government areas, Gwer East, Otukpo, Logo, and Ohimini where 162 cases were diagnosed and placed on treatment.

Regrettably, the disease is now present in all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

He stated that currently, TB treatment are available in all LGAs. As of June 30, there are 1,939 patients undergoing treatment for various forms of TB.

“This number is the validated number of clients and active cases that were placed on treatment and not those diagnosed.

“Due to the robust strategies that have been in place, we always identify them early, and as of June 30, no mortality was recorded in the state.”

The Programme Manager urged the people of the state to seek medical assistance for any suspected TB cases, noting that there is a treatment center for drug-resistant TB at St. Vincent Hospital in Aliade.

He added that those with latent TB and close contacts are placed on Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment.

Akaangee stated that the Benue State government has implemented several strategies for TB case finding.

These strategies include screenings in public and private spaces, particularly within communities and key populations such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), correctional centers, individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and nomads, among others.

He identified several major challenges in combating the disease, including inadequate funding, ineffective monitoring, insufficient reporting, a resurgence of HIV, minimal stakeholder involvement, and poor collaboration among stakeholders.

While seeking collaboration from everyone to address the disease in Benue State, Akaangee expressed gratitude to State Governor Hyacinth Alia for the significant budget allocation to the TB program.

He expressed optimism that the timely release of funds and the capacity building of health workers will greatly contribute to achieving the targets for TB implementation in the state.