Kwara Records 1,869 Tuberculosis Deaths in 2023, Says Commissioner

According to Dr Amina El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Tuberculosis claimed the lives of approximately 1,869 individuals in Kwara in 2023.

During her speech at the commemoration of the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day in Ilorin, she emphasized that globally, the disease continues to take over 4,000 lives daily. Dr El-Imam stressed the importance of investigating all cases and ensuring that patients receive the necessary anti-TB drugs. She stated that treating all active cases is crucial in breaking the chain of transmission.

The Kwara State Ministry of Health is dedicated to locating cases of Tuberculosis and is actively engaging in community sensitization and case search through established structures. Dr El-Imam also highlighted the collaboration between the Kwara Government and partners to provide free diagnosis and treatment for Tuberculosis patients.

The commitment of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to strengthen the state’s capacity for Tuberculosis diagnosis and services was acknowledged. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the wife of the Kwara governor, reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating tuberculosis and promoting a healthy Kwara.

She urged residents to report suspected cases to reduce the risk of infection. Pulmonary tuberculosis, a severe bacterial infection of the lungs, presents symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, and breathlessness.