From Maryam Hassan, Kano
Kano pp government has said that during the just concluded Tuberculosis Testing Week, it was able to knowscreen over 41,056.
The commissioner of health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf disclosed this at the wrap up of 2023 National TB Testing week in Kano State, and establishment of new TB testing centre, held at Wazobia Radio building on Tuesday in.
According to the Commissioner, the 238 diagnosed TB patients, including 44 children, had since been placed on treatment, adding that already 305 patients are on TB.
“I am happy to tell you that during the testing week alone we screened over 41,056, diagnosed and placed on TB treatment 238 people including 44 children. Also, we also placed 305 patients on TB,” the commissioner said.
Dr Yusuf explained that the activities of week ranged from general TB screening in all the state’s health facilities, community outreaches, sensitizations, adding that screening in special institutions such as tertiary institutions, correctional centers, nutrition, immunization, GOPDS, pediatric and child welfare clinics, comprehensive PMTCT clinics, islamiyya and Tsangaya schools, among others wa salso conducted.
“Indeed, i am happy to tell you today that the good people of Kano state have answered our call and came out en masse and screened for TB so that we can END TB in our dear State!.
“I am happy to tell you that during the testing week ‘lol we screened over 41,056, diagnosed and placed on TB treatment 238 people including 44 children. Also, we also placed 305 patients on TB,” Dr Yusuf said.
He reminded the general public that TB is an infectious disease caused by a bacillus, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread from infectious person to another if not diagnosed and treated on time.
“And that symptoms include: cough of two weeks or more, with or without fever, weight loss and/or night sweat, and that diagnosis and treatment is FREE!
“So, I am wrapping this week with a launching of another community outreaches in Tarauni LGA and we chose a fixed spot here in farm center using the Wazobia FM building complex.
“This is the first of its kind and we are indeed grateful for this strong collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Kano State. Thank you Wazobia FM and thanks to all our other media friends for your support to Kano State.
“To all the teeming populace of Kano State I call on you to go to the nearest health facility and get screened for TB as all our routine TB interventions will continue across the state.
“Lastly, I wish to thank His Excellency The Executive Governor of Kano State Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf for all the leadership, political will and support to the Ministry and the good people of Kano. Also, our appreciation goes to our Traditional and religious leaders and philanthropists. I also wish to appreciate our partners: WHO, BA-N, KNCV/TB LON 1 & 2, ARFH/RUSDI, TB- Network, IHVN, SFH, TLMN, GGHN, JSI, LTR, NCDC, NPHCDA, UNICEF, CHAI, Dangote Foundation, BMGF, KECCOD, AMKAAS/KANSLAM and the Media who have been one of our strongest partners in the state. We are indeed grateful,” he added.