Tuberculosis treatment is free – Gombe official
Gombe State office of Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Programme says treatment of TB is free, adding that mortality is on the increase.
According to the Programme Manager, Dr. Mustapha Musa, overcrowding, poor hygiene and poor ventilation increases the risk of transmission, urging residents to ensure cross air ventilation in any architectural design of their house or office.
Musa made this disclosure on Thursday, during the commemoration of 2022 World TB Day, themed, “Invest to End TB. Save Lives”, through a press statement obtained by our correspondent.
The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
World TB Day creates an opportunity to focus on the people affected by this disease and to call for accelerated action to end TB suffering and deaths, especially in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Musa said, “That mortality is very high ,and worst amongst patients who are immunocompromised from whatever cause. However treatment is available and is for free.
“We all have a role to play to reduce morbidity and mortality from Tuberculosis if we can only make a conscious effort to check that cough . To check all you need is to submit your sputum in the laboratory.”
On his part, Abare Ayuba, Personnel in charge of Tuberculosis unit at the State Specialist Hospital Gombe, said the facility is equipped with drugs and requisite tools to care for patients with such cases.
According to him, no fewer than 20 patients presents on a daily basis.
He said, “Since January to date more than 130 people have been diagnosed with the disease an approximately we see 20 patients daily. The facility is equipped with drugs and testing tools to take of such demands.”