The Plateau State Government has disclosed that only 5,397 cases of Tuberculosis were officially recorded in 2025, out of an estimated 11,549 cases, highlighting a significant gap in detection and reporting.
The State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, made this known on Monday in Jos during a press briefing to mark World Tuberculosis Day.
Baamlong expressed concern over the disparity between estimated and reported cases, attributing it largely to poor access to healthcare services in rural and underserved communities.
“The number of cases recorded shows a serious notification gap. Many people in remote and poor communities are unable to access healthcare facilities for proper diagnosis,” he said.
He explained that the state government, in collaboration with partners, is working to improve access to diagnostic services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
“We are strengthening our diagnostic capacity by extending services to the hinterlands to ensure more cases are identified and treated,” he added.
The commissioner warned that untreated tuberculosis poses a serious public health risk, noting that an infected person who is not diagnosed could spread the disease to several others.
“A single untreated TB patient can infect between 10 and 15 persons within a year, which is why early detection and treatment are critical,” he said.
Baamlong reiterated that tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment remain free in the state, urging residents to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.
“Anyone with a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss should go for testing immediately,” he advised.
He also revealed that 640 out of the 1,470 public and private health facilities in the state currently provide free, integrated TB control services.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of the disease and improving healthcare delivery.
“We are determined to strengthen TB control programmes and ultimately make Plateau State free of tuberculosis,” he said.
Baamlong commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for prioritising health interventions, and also acknowledged the contributions of development partners supporting the state’s fight against tuberculosis.
