The Nasarawa State Government has announced that 35 people died from tuberculosis (TB)-related complications in 2024, as the disease continues to be a major health challenge in the state. The troubling figures were revealed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, during a press conference held in Lafia on Friday to mark the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day.
Dr. Gwamna reported that the state recorded 8,190 TB cases in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year, when 7,275 cases were recorded. Of the 2024 cases, 21 percent were co-infected with HIV, highlighting the intersection of these two deadly diseases. Despite increased efforts to combat TB, the rising prevalence has sparked serious concerns.
The statistics shared by Dr. Gwamna painted a stark picture of the ongoing battle against TB in Nasarawa State. In 2024, the number of TB cases rose by 915 compared to 2023, indicating a worsening situation. The health commissioner emphasized that the disease remains a significant health threat, with 35 people succumbing to TB-related complications in the past year.
“Unfortunately, 35 individuals did not survive the disease in 2024. This highlights the seriousness of the situation we are dealing with,” Dr. Gwamna stated. He further explained that while the number of TB cases was higher in 2024, the mortality rate could have been higher without ongoing interventions and medical support.
The rising cases have put additional pressure on the healthcare system in Nasarawa State, and officials are calling for more focused efforts to control the spread of the disease. The commissioner highlighted that TB remains one of the leading causes of death in the state, exacerbated by the co-infection with HIV, which weakens the immune system and makes patients more vulnerable to TB complications.
To tackle the rising incidence of TB, the Nasarawa State Government, in collaboration with its partners, has ramped up efforts to raise awareness about the disease and improve access to treatment. Dr. Gwamna announced that the state government had expanded its network of TB treatment centers, now offering 386 Directly Observed Therapy, Short Course (DOTS) treatment centers across all 13 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
“We are committed to making treatment accessible to everyone with TB symptoms. Our DOTS centers are spread across the entire state to ensure that individuals in both urban and rural areas can receive timely treatment,” Dr. Gwamna explained.
The state also boasts a specialized Drug-Resistant TB (DRTB) Treatment Center located at the ERCC Hospital in Alushi. This 10-bed facility, built and equipped by Agbami Partners in 2017, serves patients with complicated cases of TB, particularly those who suffer from adverse reactions to their medications. The availability of such a facility is vital as drug-resistant strains of TB are harder to treat and require specialized care.
A breakdown of TB cases by local government area (LGA) revealed the widespread nature of the disease across Nasarawa State. Some of the highest numbers of cases were reported in the following LGAs:
- Nasarawa LGA: 1,846 cases
- Nassarawa-Eggon LGA: 682 cases
- Obi LGA: 350 cases
- Awe LGA: 179 cases
- Wamba LGA: 178 cases
- Toto LGA: 143 cases
This data indicates that TB is not concentrated in one area but is widespread, affecting multiple communities within the state. The large number of cases in Nasarawa LGA, the state’s capital, underscores the need for targeted interventions in urban areas, where people may be more likely to have close contact with others, facilitating the spread of the disease.
One of the key strategies Nasarawa State has adopted to combat TB is the introduction of advanced diagnostic technology. In 2014, the state launched its first GeneXpert machine, which provides rapid TB test results in just two hours. Dr. Gwamna shared that the state now has 15 GeneXpert sites across 10 out of the 13 LGAs, with a total of 20 machines in operation.
The introduction of GeneXpert machines has significantly improved diagnostic capacity, enabling healthcare providers to detect TB infections earlier and begin treatment promptly. Additionally, molecular diagnostic platforms have been installed at General Hospitals in Toto and Keffi, with more installations planned for Ummaisha and Assakio. This expansion of diagnostic resources is crucial for faster identification of TB cases, especially in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited.
Dr. Gwamna also highlighted the availability of TB-LAMP machines, which are in use at several health facilities, including the Federal University Teaching Hospital Lafia and the Mararaba Gurku Medical Centre. These diagnostic tools further enhance the state’s ability to quickly and accurately diagnose TB, ultimately reducing the time it takes to start treatment.
Dr. Gwamna reaffirmed the commitment of the Nasarawa State Government, under Governor Abdullahi Sule, to improving healthcare services in the state. He emphasized that the government would continue to provide budgetary support for the TB program and other health initiatives. The focus on TB is part of the broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure that all residents have access to essential medical services.
“We remain focused on reducing TB cases to the barest minimum and ultimately eradicating the disease in Nasarawa State,” Dr. Gwamna assured the public. “Governor Sule’s administration is fully committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of Nasarawa State, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to achieve this goal.”
In addition to expanding diagnostic and treatment services, the state has also been conducting extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about TB symptoms and the importance of seeking early medical attention. Dr. Gwamna urged residents to visit the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, unexplained weight loss, low-grade fever, chest pain, or night sweats.
“It is crucial that anyone who is experiencing these symptoms does not delay in seeking medical help,” Dr. Gwamna stressed. “The earlier TB is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, and the better the chances of a full recovery.”
