Awka (NAN)-Anambra has recorded an upsurge in the number of people infected with tuberculosis, the state Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Officer, Dr. John Ndibe said today in Awka.According to Ndibe, the figure rose from 368 in 2007 to 513 in the first quarter of this year.

Speaking with newsmen, he lamented the shortage of drugs and reagents for the treatment of the diseases.

Ndibe, who led a team on an assessment tour of health institutions in the state, expressed delight that some organisations including foreign based ones, had collaborated with the government in the fight against the scourge.

He lauded the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, for providing free drugs and reagents to patients.

Ndibe also called for more enlightenment and media campaign to ensure an effective control of the diseases.

"We must reach the communities through the media and other means to control its spread," he said.