By John Bassey, Gusau
Zamfara State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, conducted free tuberculosis and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) testing at Shagari Primary Health Care in Gusau, as part of World TB Day.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Suleiman Isah, the testing initiative aligned with this year’s global TB Day theme: ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver’, which aims to galvanize a commitment toward eradicating the disease.
The statement added that the Program Manager, Zamfara State TB and Leprosy Programme, Lawal Sani, highlighted that the outreach sought active case finding and increased public awareness about TB.
He urged residents to undergo periodic testing, emphasizing the contagious nature of the disease.
“TB is a contagious disease, so it is important for people to get tested periodically. TB is curable with timely treatment,” Sani explained.
He stressed that the theme underscored the necessity for steadfast commitment, significant investments and strategic implementation of health interventions to combat TB.
The Program Manager expressed gratitude to the State’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, for supporting TB and leprosy activities, and offered prayers for her guidance and success.
