Of the 309 tuberculosis cases recorded in the state, 10 persons lost their lives.

The National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Yola South Local Government Office, Adamawa, on Tuesday said it recorded 309 cases of the disease in 2012.

The Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisor in the area, Bashir Bello, said 10 persons also lost their lives following infection by the disease during the period.

Mr. Bello described the number of cases recorded as alarming, considering the previous year’s records in the area.

“From the first to the fourth quarter of last year, 309 patients and 10 deaths have been recorded in the area,” he said. “Five out of the number were tested positive of HIV, while the other five were negative. The number is alarming.”

He lamented the inadequate supply of drugs, and said that the unavailability of drugs was the major challenge affecting the treatment and control of the disease.

“We have 11 Directly Observe Treatment, Short Course Centres in the area, and all of them are facing shortage of drugs,” Mr. Bello said.

He said that besides inadequate supply of drugs, the recent ban on commercials motorcycles in the area had affected regular supervision of the programme.

Mr. Bello also said that complains of daily transport fees by the patients to reach the centres were another set back to the programme.

He called on NGOs to participate in the programme as government alone could not shoulder the responsibility.

(NAN)