By Chidimma Oparaochaekwe
The Wife of the Lagos State Governor and State Tuberculosis (TB) Ambassador, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents with a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more to seek immediate TB screening at designated health facilities, assuring them that screening, diagnosis and treatment are provided free of charge.
Sanwo-Olu made the call during a tuberculosis awareness campaign and screening programme held at the Obalende Bus Terminal, Obalende, where she also advised residents to sleep in well-ventilated rooms and seek prompt medical attention when they experience persistent cough or other symptoms associated with the disease.
She urged residents to share accurate information about tuberculosis, encourage people with suspected symptoms to get tested and ensure that those diagnosed with the disease complete their treatment. She also warned against stigmatising people affected by TB, stressing the importance of public support in controlling its spread.
“Residents should support the fight against tuberculosis by sharing accurate information, encouraging those with symptoms to get tested and ensuring that those diagnosed complete their treatment. We must also avoid stigmatising people affected by the disease,”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, described tuberculosis as a preventable and curable disease, noting that screening, diagnosis and treatment were available free of charge at designated health facilities.
Adeleke identified early detection and prompt access to appropriate care as major challenges in the fight against the disease.
She the district’s intervention extended beyond awareness campaigns and screening, with Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) services available at 19 designated primary healthcare centres across the district, alongside private facilities.
The permanent Secretary said the services provide treatment support, medication monitoring and follow-up care for people diagnosed with tuberculosis to encourage adherence to medication and improve treatment outcomes.
“I commend the First Lady for championing this campaign. I would like to reiterate that TB is not a death sentence, and the government will continue to bring people-oriented healthcare services closer to the citizenry. I therefore urge everyone to improve their health-seeking behaviour because early detection saves lives,” she said.
The Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bola Oladunjoye, described tuberculosis as a major public health concern, noting that inadequate information and late presentation for medical care had continued to affect efforts to control the disease.
He stressed the importance of the awareness campaign in helping residents recognise symptoms and seek medical attention without delay.
“The campaign will help residents identify symptoms early and seek timely care,”.
The programme also featured a free medical outreach offering screening for tuberculosis, HIV, hypertension and diabetes, among other health conditions. Free treatment and medications were provided to eligible beneficiaries as part of efforts to improve access to essential healthcare services and promote early disease detection.
