Bayelsa State TB and Leprosy Control Programme say tuberculosis burden in the state is on the increase.

Speaking at a one-day interactive session with Journalists in Yenagoa, Programme Manager, Dr Mabel Emudiaga-Ohwerhi explained that the rising cases of Tuberculosis was as a result of the neglect of the disease due to the advent of COVID-19

According to Dr Emudiaga-Ohwerhi, there is also a high rise of drug resistant Tuberculosis in the state which comes with a lot of complications.

She stated that TB which is the most deadly infectious disease affecting the lungs, is airborne and can affect any part of the body.

The programme Manager further emphasized that the disease is curable, and treatment is free and there is need for people to visit the over two hundred TB treatment centers to get access to treatment.

She listed those at risk of developing tuberculosis to include, people living with HIV, Chronic alcoholics, Malnourished persons, the aged and Children as well as Narcotics.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme is set to organize its maiden edition of the Tuberculosis testing week between second and fifth of next month.

Residents of the State have been called to make good use of the opportunity.