Geo-Spatial Mapping of Tuberculosis Burden in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anambra state in south-east Nigeria is one of the high TB burden states in the country. Despite recent improvements in TB case notification, estimates from the National Prevalence survey suggest that there is still a significant pool of missed TB cases in the state. Although active TB case finding interventions are needed at community level, information on local TB transmission hotspots is lacking. The objective of this study was to map the geo-spatial location of all TB cases detected in the state in 2019. Findings from this secondary data analysis will help to target interventions appropriately with a view to achieving better program efficiency. Method: A de-identified dataset containing descriptive physical addresses of registered TB cases in 2019 was developed. The dataset was then deconstructed and restructured using Structured Query Language in a relational data base environment. The validated dataset was geocoded using ArcGIS server geocode service and validated using python geocoding toolbox, and Google geocoding API. The resultant geocoded dataset was subjected to geo-spatial analysis and the magnitude-per-unit area of the TB cases was calculated using the Kernel Density function. TB case notification rates were also calculated and Choropleth maps were plotted to portray the TB burden as contained in the dataset. Results: Five local government areas (LGAs) (Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Idemili North, Nnewi North, Ogbaru) had spots with "Extremely high" burden with two LGAs (Onitsha North and South) accounting for the largest spots. EightLGAs had spots with "Very high" TB burden. Also, 24 hotspots across the How to cite this paper: Ugwu, C.I.,

Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS coinfection in patients attending Directly Observed Treatment Short‐course (DOTS) centers in Anambra State, Nigeria: A retrospective study

“…LGA. 13 For this study, medical records of patients (aged 15−60) who received treatment in selected DOTS centers across Anambra State's 21…”

“… Map of Anambra State showing the 21 LGA. 13 For this study, medical records of patients (aged 15−60) who received treatment in selected DOTS centers across Anambra State's 21 LGA between 2013 and 2017 were investigated. LGA, Local Government Areas.…”

E-governance and teachers recruitment in Anambra state schools system: The Soludo experience

“…During the 2022 Workers' Day celebration in Awka-the state capital, the governor directed the Head of Service and the state ministry of education to recruit 5,000 new teachers into the primary and secondary schools system. As part of the directive, the governor stated, "This process must be transparent and merit based" (Ugwu, 2022, p.1) [41] . However, at the end of the recruitment exercise involving over 40,000 applicants, which was computer/internet based or administered through egovernance, there were allegations of scam, lack of fairness, corruption, and nepotism (Ozoji, 2023) [37] .…”