By Murtala Ahmed Mustapha
The Bauchi state government has procured portable digital X-ray machines to strengthen its effort towards curbing the spread of tuberculosis across the state.
Executive Chairman of the State’s Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria, Dr Adamu Umar Sambo, disclosed this during a routine assessment visit in Bauchi.
Dr Sambo said the portable digital X-ray machine (PDX) would enhance the early detection of suspected tuberculosis cases, describing diagnosis as the first step towards effective treatment.
On malaria control, the chairman explained that the recently concluded Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, SMC exercise had reduced malaria cases by about eighty percent.
He disclosed that plans were underway to distribute five million long-lasting insecticidal nets early next year.
Dr Sambo further stated that despite the withdrawal of some donor interventions, particularly from USAID, the state government had remained committed to addressing the challenges facing the agency.
He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for providing vehicles and a lecture hall for the agency, noting that the gesture would greatly support its operations and future programmes.
The agency’s management team also inspected various operational units in the Jahun area of Bauchi metropolis to assess ongoing work on store upgrades and other essential facilities.
