The Nasarawa State Government has confirmed that 35 people died from tuberculosis (TB)-related complications in 2024, marking an increase in the state’s TB burden.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lafia on Friday, March 28, as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day.
According to him, the state recorded 8,190 TB cases in 2024, with 21% of the patients co-infected with HIV. This represents a rise from 7,275 cases in 2023, where 18% of the cases were linked to HIV.
“Unfortunately, 35 individuals lost their lives to TB-related complications,” Gwamna stated, emphasizing that the disease remains a significant public health challenge in the state.
To curb the spread, the state government, in collaboration with its partners, has intensified awareness campaigns and expanded access to treatment. Currently, Nasarawa has 386 directly observed therapy, short-course (DOTS) centers across its 13 local government areas (LGAs).
The commissioner also highlighted the presence of a Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) Treatment Center at ERCC Hospital, Alushi, a 10-bed facility established by Agbami Partners in 2017 to manage complicated TB cases and adverse drug reactions.
Providing a breakdown of TB cases in 2024, Gwamna revealed that the highest cases were recorded in Nasarawa LGA (1,846), followed by Nassarawa-Eggon (682), Obi (350), Awe (179), Wamba (178), and Toto (143).
The state government has urged residents to take advantage of free TB diagnosis and treatment services, emphasizing the need for early detection and proper medication adherence to curb further fatalities.