Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, has revealed that only 5,397 tuberculosis cases were officially reported in 2025, despite an estimated 11,549 cases.
Baamlong made the disclosure on Monday in Jos while briefing journalists to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day, themed “Yes! We can end TB: led by countries, powered by people.”
He expressed concern that the figures highlight a substantial notification gap and attributed it to patients living in impoverished communities with limited access to health facilities.
According to him, the ministry, in partnership with its collaborators, is enhancing diagnostic services in remote areas to bridge this gap.
Baamlong also warned that a TB patient who is not diagnosed and treated can infect 10 to 15 people annually. He emphasized that TB diagnosis and treatment are entirely free of charge.
The commissioner noted that Plateau has 640 out of 1,470 public and private health facilities offering free integrated tuberculosis control services.
He urged residents to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, night sweats, or weight loss.
“The state government is committed to strengthening TB control programmes and improving healthcare delivery to reduce the burden and make the state free of the disease. Let me particularly thank Governor Caleb Mutfwang for prioritising efforts towards ending TB in the state,” he said.
Baamlong also commended the contributions of health implementing partners in advancing Plateau’s TB control initiatives.