The Plateau State Government says it recorded 5,397 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2025, far below the estimated 11,549 cases.
The Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Jos to mark the World Tuberculosis Day 2026.
Baamlong expressed concern over the wide gap between estimated and confirmed cases.
He said the figures show that many TB cases remain undetected.
According to him, this gap is largely due to poor access to healthcare in rural communities.
Poor Access To Healthcare A Major Challenge
The commissioner explained that many patients live in hard-to-reach areas.
As a result, they struggle to access testing and treatment services.
However, the government is working to improve the situation.
Baamlong said the ministry is expanding diagnostic services into rural areas to find more cases early.
Undiagnosed TB Poses Serious Risk
He warned that untreated TB patients can easily spread the disease.
A single infected person can transmit TB to 10 to 15 people every year.
Therefore, early detection and treatment remain critical in controlling the disease.
The Plateau State Government offers free TB diagnosis and treatment.
Currently, 640 out of 1,470 health facilities in the state provide TB services.
These include both public and private healthcare centres.
Baamlong advised residents to seek medical help if they notice symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
Early testing, he said, can prevent complications and reduce transmission.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending TB in the state.
He also acknowledged the support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and health partners.
Together, they aim to strengthen TB control programmes and improve healthcare delivery.
Baamlong stressed that ending TB requires joint efforts.
Government, health workers, and communities must work together to reduce the burden of the disease.
