A medical practitioner in Sudan's Blue Nile State has told Radio Tamazuj that there is an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases among residents.

The doctor who preferred anonymity said an estimated 60 per cent of the population is suffering from tuberculosis.

The same source revealed that the state health ministry has banned doctors from disclosing any information on tests and statistics to the public.

Some local youth groups have started an awareness campaign aimed at fighting the spread of the disease.

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that affects the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body. It is airborne and can be transmitted through coughs, sneezes and/talks.