…Set to intensify TB fight with new grassroots initiative
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a move to combat Tuberculosis (TB) in the state, Lagos First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday has unveiled an ambitious grassroots initiative aimed at eradicating the disease.
The event, which will see the launch of the STOP TB Partnership and the inauguration of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee, is scheduled for today at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
Addressing the media ahead of the event, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the involvement of local leaders is crucial in amplifying TB awareness and prevention strategies.
“These local leaders are the closest to the people. They are uniquely positioned to change attitudes, debunk myths, and ensure that TB is treated with the seriousness it deserves,” she remarked, emphasising the pivotal role that the 10 Female Chairmen and 47 wives of Local Government Area (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen will play in the campaign.
The First Lady declared this initiative as an empowering step, stating, “Tomorrow’s investiture is a step towards empowering them to lead this fight.”
She cited alarming statistics from the 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting that Nigeria reported over 479,000 TB cases, with 18,541 of these in Lagos alone.
“These numbers are staggering, but we have the tools, the knowledge, and the partnerships to reverse this trend. TB is preventable and curable, and with the right focus, we can eradicate it from our communities,” she said.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised ongoing efforts to improve living conditions in high-risk areas, including slums and military barracks, where factors such as overcrowding exacerbate TB transmission.
“Clearing our gutters, improving sanitation, and ensuring better housing are part of our broader strategy to fight TB,” she said.
She further called on various sectors, including healthcare, education, and law enforcement, to join the battle against TB and facilitate awareness and stigma reduction.
Highlighting the free diagnosis and treatment options available across Lagos, she urged citizens to seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms like a persistent cough lasting over two weeks.
“We are committed to making treatment accessible. Over 301 Primary Healthcare Centres and 30 General Hospitals are equipped to offer Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS) services,” she affirmed.
Emphasising the collaborative nature of this initiative, Dr. Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the TB Steering Committee and the STOP TB Partnership for their unwavering dedication.
She envisioned regular meetings among state TB champions to ensure sustained progress, saying, “Together, we will make a significant impact in the fight against TB, not just in Lagos, but across Nigeria.”
Also, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, Chairman of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee, echoed the importance of the upcoming ceremony.
“Our female Chairmen and the Wives of Chairmen bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table,” he stated, highlighting their potential impact in advocating for TB awareness, prevention, and treatment.
The investiture and inauguration ceremony is set to draw top officials, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, marking a decisive step in Lagos State’s commitment to improve public health outcomes and eliminate TB.