Ondo Records 1,106 Cases of Tuberculosis in 2021

James Sowole

The National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme has revealed that the Ondo State has detected a total of 1,106 cases of tuberculosis disease between January and June 2021.

The cases, according to the state Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Oluwafem Aina, were recorded across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Aina, who spoke in Akure, the state capital, said as the country was battling with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight against tuberculosis was also ongoing.

He said the agency had been embarking on series of campaign across the country, adding that cases were reported on quarterly basis.

Giving the breakdown of the cases, he explained that from January to March, 635 cases were recorded, while from April to June, a total of 471 cases were recorded.

He said: “From the report at our national headquarters, a total of 635 cases of tuberculosis was detected and notified in Ondo State in the 18 local government areas in quarter two of 2021-that is April to June 2021.

“So far, from January to June 2021, we have had 1,106 cases of tuberculosis detected, notified and placed on treatment across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

He said despite attention being given to COVID-19, the agency has not stopped its sensitisation, especially at the grassroots level, in a bid to eradicate the disease in the state.

He said: “Attention on COVID-19 is expected; it is what is currently happening that everybody focuses on but notwithstanding, we have been intensifying our sensitisation as much as possible.

“We have been going on using radio and television stations, and also with the support of the print media and individuals. Also, we have tuberculosis and leprosy supervisors in the 18 local government areas, who continue the community sensitisation by going for outreach.”