By Lucy Ackanyon & Akuto Jacob Akuto
Benue State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese has disclosed that Benue State recorded Ten Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighteen cases (10,618) cases of Tuberculosis, TB in 2024.
Dr Ortese who noted that Nigeria as a country ranks highest in Africa in the rating of TB also identified the rise of drug resistance TB as a major concern in the fight against the disease in the country.
The Commissioner who stated this yesterday in Makurdi during a Press Conference to Commemorate World TB Day 2025, stated, “The statistics of TB cases are alarming. In 2024, 10,618 cases of TB were diagnosed in Benue State alone. Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries globally where TB is prevalent, and we,re the highest in Africa. The rise of drug-resistant TB cases adds to our concerns “
He noted however, that Benue state was on top of the situation in the fight against the disease, identifying improvement in workers capacity to handle TB cases, deployment of digital X-ray machines to screen in communities among others, as some steps taken to change the ugly narrative.
Dr Ortese commended the collaboration between the Federal and Benue state governments, development partners, civil society organisations and philanthropists, noting it was the factor behind the achievements made.
He said that the Federal Government has sited a Disease Centre in Vandeikya LGA in Benue State to provide essential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS and other outbreaks.
“In Benue State, we have witnessed significant progress in the fight against TB, I want to thank the governor of Benue State for the unwavering support to the fight against TB. His efforts in providing adequate manpower, utilities, and other resources have been instrumental in complementing the Federal Government initiatives”, he stated.
While reflecting on the theme of this year’s World TB Day, he reminded that TB remain a significant public health challenge but can be overcome with collective efforts
“This year’s theme, “WE FIT DO AM ” resonates deeply with our collective efforts to combat this deadly disease
The Commissioner emphasized that all the stakeholders in the TB fight should use the occasion of the celebration to renew commitment towards ending the disease, saying “we must continue to raise awareness about the disease, promote early detection and treatment, and support those affected with TB
