Kaduna state began screening for tuberculosis in five of its 23 local government areas on Saturday.
Local government areas covered are Chikun, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi and Zaria.
Programme officer of the Kaduna State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Dr Sani Aminu, told journalists in Kaduna on Saturday that 20,000 adults and children would be screened.
He said those diagnosed to have been infected would be sent for treatment free of charge.
Mr Aminu explained that the screening was part of programmes marking the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day scheduled for March 25.
“Tuberculosis cases are increasing in the state and we are intensifying efforts at locating missing cases to place them on treatment.
“We are also improving on strategies for contact tracing.
“We deployed Out-Patient Department screening because we felt it was one of the best strategies to identify more cases.
“As people go to hospitals for other diagnoses, they will also be screened for tuberculosis,’’ he said.
Mr Aminu enjoined residents, particularly those who had been coughing for more than two weeks, to offer themselves for screening.
(NAN)
