Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Monday urged for the corporation and collaboration of stakeholders in the state in order to wipe out Tuberculosis disease from the state.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu made the call at the investiture of Female Chairmen/Wives of the Local Government Area (LGA) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) Chairmen, the inauguration of TB Steering Committee and STOP TB Partnership, in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State said the day marked a significant milestone in the state’s collective fight against Tuberculosis, which she noted had continued “to pose a serious threat to public health globally and here in Lagos State (Highly densely populated city).”
She said launching of the inauguration of TB Steering Committee and investiture were essential due to low awareness on how to stop the spread of the disease in the state, which figure she put at 18,541 in 2023.
Dr.Sanwo-Olu noted that the awareness campaign was necessary because the disease spreads fast, just as she explained that the campaign against TB involves everybody.
“Awareness for TB in Lagos is low, that is why the investiture, and I am the state chairperson for the investiture.
“Because of the poor awareness, that is why we call on other stakeholders, there is the need to talk to people in the language they understand,” she said.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu disclosed that there are three buses that have the facility to check TB that moves around the state, saying that there are 30 designated places where the disease can be checked.
She, therefore, appealed to the public to go for a check whenever they notice symptoms of the disease, just as she said that the treatment for the disease, which she maintained, is preventable and curable if detected early and treated properly, remained free.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective fight against Tuberculosis, a disease that continues to pose a serious threat to public health globally and here in Lagos State ( Highly densely populated city). The role of Chairmen, the Female Chairmen and wives of our Local Government Area Chairmen is crucial as having grassroots advocacy, TB awareness initiatives, advocacy reforms and sustainable budgetary lines to be implemented every year to ensure realistic care planning for the community is put in plan from the onset.
“The new inductees will educate, promote health seeking behaviour, debunk myths and mobilize resources to foster community TB prevention among the populace,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu said.
“I urge all stakeholders, including, Development partners, implementing partners, collaborating partners, healthcare professionals, community leaders, citizens,, banks/philanthropists, religious bodies, politicians, law enforcement, legislators, Iya Olojas, media, NURTW transport, neighbourhood, education, the environment, finance, planning, youth, infrastructure, justice and the citizens.
“Lets work, lets work, re-strategize, break the old protocols, produce new SOPs and protocols to eliminate the stigma associated with TB and ensure people go and receive the support they deserve.
“Once again, it is noteworthy to mention that TB is preventable, curable and diagnosis and treatment (drugs) is free! Anyone with a cough of more than two weeks should visit the Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS) centres in over 301 Primary Healthcare Centres, 30 General Hospitals and some selected private hospitals across the 20 LGAs/37LCDAs in the State,” she added.
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