The spread of tuberculosis in Borno State is becoming a serious concern for experts, as it is fueled by poverty, hunger, and other problems resulting from insurgency. Hadiza Idris from the Dala ward in the Jere Local Government Area of Maiduguri metropolis had been suffering from severe cough, ulcer, fever, and weakness before being diagnosed with tuberculosis in December 2023. The prevalence of tuberculosis in Borno State, particularly in the Northern Borno Senatorial District, has raised alarm at the World Health Organisation’s 13th Joint Operations Review in Yola, Adamawa State. Dr. Bukar Bintube, a Consultant Pulmonologist at the Borno Chest Diseases Center, emphasized the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency and the displacement of people on the spread of tuberculosis.
The shortage of medical personnel in Northern Borno has posed a challenge in addressing the increasing number of tuberculosis cases. Dr. Bintube called for more equipment and staff in local government healthcare facilities to combat tuberculosis prevalence in poverty-stricken rural communities. He also highlighted the inadequacy of drugs and the need for support from various stakeholders to address the situation.
Several patients shared their experiences with tuberculosis, attributing their infections to poverty and negligence in adhering to medical advice. Halima Modu, for instance, admitted to neglecting the precautions advised by the hospital, ultimately leading to a re-infection. The pharmacist at the center, Hassana Adamu, emphasized the rise in tuberculosis cases in Borno State due to poverty and highlighted the importance of strict adherence to the prescribed treatment.
The Chairman of the Borno State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bukar Bakki, stressed the need for increased public awareness to facilitate early detection and control the spread of tuberculosis across the state. Overall, the situation calls for concerted efforts to address the factors contributing to the spread of tuberculosis and to provide adequate support for affected communities.