By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | KatsinaTimes, 24March, 2026
The Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as it joined the global community to commemorate World TB Day on March 24, 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing at his office in Katsina, the Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu Funtua, said the annual event is aimed at raising awareness about TB, educating the public on its symptoms, and highlighting available diagnosis and treatment services.
He noted that the global campaign continues to serve as a call to action and a message of hope, stressing that ending TB remains achievable despite prevailing challenges.
“Ending tuberculosis is not just an aspiration but an achievable goal through strong leadership, increased investment, and effective collaboration,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of adopting recommendations by the World Health Organization, alongside innovation and multi-sectoral partnerships, to reverse the TB epidemic.
Funtua disclosed that Katsina State, with support from development partners, has made notable progress in TB control, including the remodeling and commencement of a Drug-Resistant TB Treatment Centre.
According to him, the facility has a 21-bed capacity and is expected to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the spread of drug-resistant TB across the state.
He added that the state’s efforts were recognised nationally in December 2025 when Katsina emerged as the best-performing state in TB control in Nigeria.
The Commissioner further revealed plans by the government to upgrade the centre into a comprehensive hospital for tuberculosis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
As part of activities marking the 2026 World TB Day, the state Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, in collaboration with partners, has rolled out community sensitisation campaigns, medical outreaches across 10 local government areas, and media engagements to boost awareness and service uptake.
Funtua urged residents to watch out for symptoms of TB, including persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, chest pain, coughing up blood, and difficulty in breathing.
He advised anyone experiencing such symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility, assuring that testing and treatment are available.
The Commissioner also outlined preventive measures, including avoiding overcrowded environments, ensuring proper ventilation, maintaining good nutrition, and vaccinating children with BCG at birth.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with partners, non-governmental organisations, and relevant agencies to achieve the global target of ending TB by 2035.
“Together, we can end tuberculosis in Katsina State,” he added.
