The Nasarawa State Government has reported that 35 people died from tuberculosis (TB)-related complications across the state in 2024.
Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the state’s Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure during a press conference in Lafia on Friday, March 28, to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2025.
He revealed that the state recorded 8,190 TB cases in 2024, with 21% 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% of them co-infected with HIV,” Gwamna stated.
He emphasized that TB remains a significant health challenge in the state and called for intensified efforts to combat its spread.
To address the issue, Gwamna explained that the state government and its partners had increased awareness campaigns and expanded the number of treatment centers to ensure better access for individuals 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 for easier access,” he said.
Additionally, Gwamna noted that the state has a Drug-Resistant TB (DRTB) Treatment Center at ERCC Hospital, Alushi. This 10-bed facility, built, equipped, and donated by Agbami Partners in 2017, is specifically designed to cater to DRTB patients experiencing complications, especially those suffering from adverse drug reactions.
He also provided a breakdown of TB cases in various LGAs in 2024: Awe (179 cases), Obi (350 cases), Wamba (178 cases), Nassarawa-Eggon (682 cases), Nasarawa (1,846 cases), and Toto (143 cases).
