Benue Records 20 Deaths From Lassa Fever Out Of 821 Reported Cases, Ranks 1st In TB In North Central

Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ortese Yanmar, has revealed that the state ranks first in reported and confirmed Tuberculosis (TB) cases in North Central Nigeria, and sixth overall.

He also noted that out of the 821 recorded cases of persons that were reported to have contacted Lassa fever in the state, 63 cases were confirmed positive, while 16 others were confirmed dead.

However, records available to INDEPENDENT indicate that 20 persons actually died from Lassa fever in Benue.

The State Commissioner for Health, who disclosed this at a press conference in Makurdi on Monday to commemorate World Health Day, stated that of the two people still on admission, one case has been confirmed positive, while the other is awaiting the results from Abuja, which will confirm or deny the diagnosis.

However, on the reported cases of TB in the state, Yanmar explained that “Our fight against tuberculosis is ongoing with the state ranking sixth in the country and first in the North Central zone for TB cases.”

Even though he was unable to give the actual number of persons that may have contacted TB in the state, he gave the impression that the statistics may be alarming.

Therefore, the Commissioner stressed the need for all hands to be on deck in the fight to reverse the high rate of TB in the state.

Yanmar also explained that the State Government has enrolled over 50,000 vulnerable persons and over 5,500 Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) in the state into the State Health Insurance Scheme.

The Commissioner explained that the

He further observed that the State Government has made these achievements, despite the multiple challenges of disease outbreaks the state was facing, among them Lassa Fever, measles and Buruli Ulcer.

He said, “Currently, we are responding to the largest fever outbreak in the history of the state. Our response capabilities are stretched, particularly as we lack a functional public health Molecular Laboratory.

“Our fight against Tuberculosis is ongoing, with the state ranking 6th in the country and 1st in the North Central Zone for TB cases.

“We also seek support in strengthening our Buruli Ulcer and TB control program to reverse the tide against the diseases”, the commissioner stated.

He noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “My Health, My Right,” is not just a theme but a commitment of the Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia’s administration to remain dedicated to upholding healthcare as a right of every resident in Benue.

Therefore, Yanmar called on stakeholders across all sectors to support the state in providing appropriate infrastructure and the needed human resources to make health services accessible to citizens.

Earlier, events marking the day started with a health walk which began at the First gate of the Benue state University, (BSU) Makurdi, through High Level and culminated at the Ministry of Health, Makurdi.