Borno Faces Tuberculosis Surge: WHO Issues Urgent Warning

InfoStride News has raised an alarm on the escalating Tuberculosis (TB) infections in Borno State, echoing concerns expressed by Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Head of Mission/Country Representative for WHO, during the 13th WHO End-Term Joint Operations Review (JOR) in Yola. This review focused on the health challenges in the North-East region of Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency—Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

The urgency of addressing health challenges arising from the conflict was underscored during the JOR session, with a call for collaborative efforts to tackle the increasing rate of TB infections. Dr. Mulombo emphasized the need for swift action, stating that the current situation in Borno could potentially lead to a tuberculosis explosion in Nigeria, highlighting the critical nature of the issue as an emergency.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno shed light on the profound impact of the insurgency on the state’s health institutions, revealing that approximately 50% of health infrastructure has been lost, and numerous staff members have been abducted or killed. This has further compounded the tuberculosis challenge, necessitating additional resources and personnel. The governor, represented by the Borno Commissioner for Health, Dr. Baba Malam-Gana, stressed the state’s reliance on military support to reach inaccessible areas for vital services, such as immunization. He urged WHO to provide assistance in addressing these challenges, including tackling Gender-Based Violence issues.

Representing Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Commissioner for Health Dr. Felix Tangwame expressed gratitude for WHO’s contributions, spanning capacity building to disease surveillance. He appealed for further assistance, particularly in ongoing training for health workers to stay abreast of new diseases and effective handling protocols.

Tuberculosis, a potentially serious bacterial infection that predominantly affects the lungs, remains a significant health concern globally. Nigeria is ranked as the sixth nation with the highest number of TB cases, according to a WHO report. In 2020 alone, 9.9 million Nigerians developed tuberculosis, making Nigeria the African nation with the highest number of TB cases. The gravity of the situation underscores the need for collaborative efforts and swift action to address the escalating TB infections in Borno State and mitigate the potential risks for Nigeria as a whole.