Lagos State health authorities have raised an alarm over a significant detection gap in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB), revealing that nearly 14,000 estimated cases remain undiagnosed within the community.
During a symposium and awareness walk to commemorate the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, revealed that out of an estimated 30,000 cases in the state, only 16,000 have been formally identified.
She warned that these undetected individuals represent a significant risk for ongoing transmission and urged a foot soldier approach involving grassroots workers to close the gap.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu advocated for a shift toward sustainable financing models, such as trust funds and the integration of TB services into health insurance schemes, to reduce heavy reliance on donor support.
She also emphasized the need for digital tools and simplified messaging using slogans like “Check Am” to dismantle the misinformation surrounding the disease.
Also speaking, the Lagos State State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reinforced the urgency, noting that the state’s dense population makes TB a major public health concern.
He warned that failure to complete the standard four-to-six-month treatment leads to drug-resistant TB, which requires up to 18 months of intensive care.
The Special Adviser on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dayo Lajide, both reaffirmed that while the state has expanded diagnostic capacity, the ultimate goal of eradication requires addressing social determinants like overcrowding and poverty.