By Divine Sam

Plateau State has an estimated tuberculosis (TB) burden of 11,000 cases in 2026, with 2,047 cases detected between July and September, an official of the state’s Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme has disclosed.

Yohanna Bot, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the programme, revealed the figures during the first bi-annual media-focused advocacy meeting on the Global Fund AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Integrated Community-Led Monitoring (ICLM) Project in Jos.

Bot explained that the estimated burden was based on a TB prevalence rate of 219 cases per 100,000 people. He added that all cases detected during the three-month period had been placed on treatment.

According to him, tuberculosis is an airborne disease, while conditions such as malnutrition, overcrowding and weakened immunity can increase the risk of infection, particularly among children under five and people living with HIV.

He identified stigma and misconceptions surrounding the disease as major obstacles to early diagnosis and treatment, noting that some people still attribute TB to spiritual or ritual causes.

Bot warned that such beliefs could discourage affected individuals from seeking medical attention promptly, potentially worsening their condition and increasing the risk of transmission.

He also linked insecurity and displacement to difficulties in identifying TB cases in some parts of the state, particularly Mangu, Jos South and Barkin Ladi.

The programme official further expressed concern over overcrowding in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, warning that congested living conditions could facilitate the spread of the disease.

To address the challenge, he said the programme was prioritising community outreach and active screening in IDP camps and correctional centres to identify infected persons and ensure they receive appropriate care.

Bot noted that patients responding to appropriate TB treatment generally become non-infectious within about two weeks of starting medication, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and adherence to treatment.

However, he raised concerns over shortages of anti-TB drugs, explaining that the programme depended heavily on support from the Global Fund. He warned that disruptions in the supply chain could lead to gaps in the availability of essential medicines.

The development highlights the need for stronger public awareness, improved access to diagnostic services, reliable drug supplies and sustained efforts to tackle stigma as Plateau State intensifies its response to tuberculosis.