Lagos conclude arrangement to fight against tuberculosis

To induct TB ambassadors and collaborate with other stakeholders 

By Kayode Olopade 

Lagos State Government through the Office of the First Lady had concluded arrangement to fight against tuberculosis.

Dr Sanwo-Olu made the pronouncement at a press briefing to announce the investiture of the new ambassadors on Monday in her office.

The governor’s wife, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, explained that the investiture and inauguration marks a significant milestone in the collective fight against tuberculosis.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who is also a TB Champion and Ambassador, said: “Tuberculosis poses a serious threat to public health globally and in Lagos State, which is a highly densely populated city.

The number of persons suffering from tuberculosis in Lagos State has surged to 18,541. To fight the menace therefore, the 10 female local government chairmen and wives of the 47 male chairmen will be inaugurated as advocates against the deadly disease.

They will be inaugurated as members of the Steering Committee and Stop TB Partnership in the Office of the First Lady.

“Thus, the role of chairmen, the female chairmen and wives of chairmen of our local government area is crucial for grassroots advocacy. They will include tuberculosis 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 mobilise resources to foster community TB prevention among the populace. Health is wealth, Health is preventive, health is taking charge of self and the environment.

“The establishment of the STOP TB Partnership and the TB Steering Committee marks a significant milestone in our health agenda. It aims to strengthen the existing TB control programmes. Birth new TB partnership in the public-private sector, collaborate and mentor other state TB partnerships.

’According to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report of 2023,, an estimated 10.6 million people (5.8 million men, 3.5 million women and 1.3 million children) fell ill with TB worldwide in 2022. In Africa, 2,480,000 people suffer from TB, 479,000 in Nigeria in 2023 and 18,541 Lagosians with TB in 2023.’

“TB is preventable and curable if detected early and treated properly. To curb the prevalence, the Lagos State government ensures that gutters and ghettos are cleared regularly.”

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu called for collaboration with 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, among others to produce new SOPs and protocols to eliminate the stigma associated with TB and ensure people get the support they deserve.