WORLD-KIDNEY-DAY-14TH-MARCH-2024-Nigeria

World Kidney Day 14th March 2024 – Makurdi, Benue State

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The 2024 World Tuberculosis (TB) Day rally started with the assembly of all partner NGOs at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, Makurdi between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The procession and TB awareness campaign began from 9:13 AM from BSUTH gate to Wadata Market, Modern Market and finally to the Benue State Secretariat for a Press briefing. Meanwhile, at IBB Square, free TB diagnosis was ongoing. This year’s theme is Yes! We can end TB! With the slogan “No gree for TB”.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Hon. Yanmar Ortese, in his address appreciated the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in the fight against TB, a disease he described as ancient.

He stated that TB is one of the top 10 most deadly diseases in the world. He said Nigeria ranks highest in TB cases in Africa, and 6th in the world. On the other hand, Benue State ranks highest in the North Central, and second to Akwa Ibom in the country.

He said due to innovations in Science and Technology, and strategic partnerships, KNCV Nigeria has introduced novel ways of TB diagnosis in the state, what has been an age long problem in tackling the disease. He said KNCV Nigeria in addition to the sputum tests, X-ray method of diagnosis, and the use of Gene Xpert in TB diagnosis, the Wellness on Wheels (WoW) Truck has been brought to help facilitate the case diagnosis time.

The WoW Truck has been equipped with a radiography unit for chest X-rays, and a sputum collection and analysis unit. The WoW truck is able to deliver results of samples collected within two hours. And since it is a mobile unit, it can reach interior places and disadvantaged groups such as those living in IDPs.

Due to these innovations in active TB case findings, diagnosis has reached 72% with an increase from slightly over five thousand to seven thousand and twenty-three cases in 2023.  Hon. Ortese called for more community awareness through partnerships, and the prioritization of the empowerment of affected people.

The Commissioner urged all partners to sustain awareness creation in tackling the disease. He said TB treatment lasts for six months, and is completely free. He reiterated the commitment of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia in promotion of the health status of the state having complied to the Abuja declaration of 35% budgetary allocation to health sector.

He promised that TB will get its fair share of the allocation. The commissioner further called on the Federal Government to build an Infectious Diseases Control Centre in Benue State due to the high cases of dangerous diseases such as Lassa Fever, TB, Buruli Ulcer, amongst several others.

On his part, the State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Abdulkareem, in his speech called on more concerted efforts in tackling TB as the 72% increase in active case findings still falls short of the 2025 target of 75%. Similarly, the KNCV Nigeria representative said their NGO was able to achieve all it did because of the enabling environment created by the Benue State government.

He further thanked USAID for sponsorship, and Breakthrough Action Nigeria for sustained awareness creation. He said in addition to the WoW truck, they have made a miniature of the truck using Keke Napep so that interior places can also be reached for TB diagnosis.

Questions were taken after the addresses of the Commissioner, the representative of KNCV Nigeria, USAID, WHO, and APIN. A vote of thanks was given by the Director of Public Health in the Benue State Ministry of Health, and the Press Briefing came to an end at about 2:49 PM.

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