The Katsina government says it plans to conduct tuberculosis screening and treatment for vulnerable children, especially street children and those in orphanages.

Health commissioner Musa Adamu-Funtua disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing in Katsina, marking the 2025 Paediatric TB/HIV Testing Week. The exercise is in collaboration with the Knowledge Network for Disease Control and Vigilance, Nigeria.

According to the commissioner, the campaign will be conducted through the TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme in partnership with other development agencies.

He said activities marking the week include community outreaches, screening in nutrition centres, HIV clinics, schools, and intensive contact tracing to identify children with potential infections.

Mr Adamu-Funtua listed TB symptoms as prolonged cough lasting over two weeks, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, low-grade fever, and excessive night sweats.

He warned that individuals with such symptoms should report to the nearest health facility immediately for free testing and treatment, provided by the government and its partners.

Mr Adamu-Funtua advised the public to avoid prolonged contact with TB patients, test persistent coughs, refrain from spitting indiscriminately, and maintain good personal hygiene. He also urged handwashing with soap, reducing overcrowding, ensuring well-ventilated homes, BCG vaccination at birth, a balanced diet, and proper cough etiquette for prevention.

The commissioner further encouraged uptake of TB preventive treatment for people living with HIV and close contacts of TB patients, including children. He revealed that KNCV has supported the state with 12 portable digital X-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence for early detection of TB.

Mr Adamu-Funtua also stated that Governor Dikko Radda approved the renovation of the Drug-Resistant TB centre in Rimi Local Government to reduce mortality and improve patient care.

(NAN)