Amos Charles
Health authorities in Plateau State have raised concerns over a significant number of undetected tuberculosis (TB) cases, warning that the gap between estimated infections and officially recorded figures poses a serious public health risk.
According to the Plateau State Ministry of Health, only 5,397 TB cases were officially recorded in 2025 out of an estimated 11,549 cases, indicating that a large proportion of infected individuals remain unidentified within communities.
Westbridge reports that this gap highlights ongoing challenges in disease surveillance, early detection, and access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
Undetected Cases Driving Community Transmission Risk
Health experts caution that undiagnosed TB cases can accelerate community transmission, especially in densely populated and low-income areas where access to diagnostic services is limited.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, noted that an untreated TB patient could potentially infect between 10 to 15 individuals annually, underscoring the urgency of improving case detection.
Westbridge analysis indicates that the notification gap may not only reflect limited access to healthcare but also gaps in awareness, stigma, and delays in seeking medical attention.
Surveillance and Access Gaps Under Scrutiny
The disparity between estimated and reported cases suggests weaknesses in the state’s disease surveillance and reporting systems.
While health authorities have expanded diagnostic coverage across hundreds of facilities, many residents in remote communities still face barriers to accessing testing and treatment services.
Westbridge understands that bridging this gap will require not only expanding healthcare infrastructure but also strengthening community-level outreach and engagement strategies.
Expansion of Diagnostic Coverage
In response to these challenges, the state government, in collaboration with development partners, is intensifying efforts to extend diagnostic services into rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Authorities say more facilities are being integrated into the tuberculosis control programme, with free testing and treatment services made available across designated health centres.
Despite these interventions, health officials acknowledge that coverage still falls short of reaching all at-risk populations.
Public Health Awareness Remains Critical
Health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of early detection, urging residents to seek medical attention if they experience persistent symptoms such as prolonged cough, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.
Westbridge reports that improving public awareness remains a key component of reducing transmission, as early diagnosis significantly lowers the risk of spreading the disease to others.
Policy and Institutional Commitment
The Plateau State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening tuberculosis control programmes as part of broader healthcare improvement efforts.
Officials have also acknowledged the role of development partners in supporting surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment initiatives across the state.
Westbridge notes that sustained collaboration between government agencies and health partners will be critical in addressing the current notification gap.
Outlook
Health experts warn that without improved detection rates, tuberculosis could continue to spread silently within communities, undermining efforts to eliminate the disease.
Westbridge reports that closing the gap between estimated and reported cases will depend on a combination of improved healthcare access, stronger surveillance systems, and increased public participation in testing and treatment programmes.
The ongoing response efforts are expected to play a decisive role in determining whether Plateau State can significantly reduce its TB burden in the coming years.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.