Plateau State Reports 5,000 Tuberculosis Cases in 2025, Highlighting Ongoing Public Health Challenge
The Plateau State Government has announced that at least 5,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) were recorded across the state in 2025, underscoring the disease’s persistent burden despite intervention efforts. The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, during a briefing with journalists in Jos on Monday, held in preparation for the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day.
Dr. Ba’amlong stated that the figure illustrates the continued public health challenge posed by tuberculosis in the region. “The figure highlights the continued public health challenge posed by tuberculosis in the state, despite ongoing efforts to curb its spread,” he said. Tuberculosis remains a leading infectious disease killer globally, with Africa accounting for a significant proportion of cases, according to the World Health Organization.
In response, the state government, working alongside development partners, has scaled up targeted interventions. These include intensified active case-finding initiatives, expanded access to standardized treatment regimens, and sustained public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing transmission and mortality rates. The commissioner emphasized that early detection is critical, urging residents to utilize the free TB testing and treatment services available at designated health facilities across the state.
A key aspect of the public health messaging is the fight against stigma. Dr. Ba’amlong called on communities to reject discrimination against TB patients, clarifying that tuberculosis is a curable disease when patients complete a full course of treatment. Stigma often deters individuals from seeking timely medical help, fueling community spread.
The announcement serves as a stark reminder that tuberculosis, though preventable and treatable, requires unwavering commitment. As Plateau State joins the global observance of World Tuberculosis Day, the focus remains on closing detection gaps, ensuring treatment adherence, and fostering supportive environments. The success of these efforts will depend on sustained funding, community engagement, and robust health systems to achieve the national and international targets for TB elimination.
