Lagos begins grassroots advocacy to halt tuberculosis

As part of the Lagos State’s aggressive campaign to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB), the Lagos State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Claudiana Sanwo-Olu has announced plans to strengthen grassroots advocacy through the official launch of the STOP TB partnership.

The First Lady in a media briefing ahead of the programme, outlined plans to harness local leadership in driving TB awareness and prevention efforts across Lagos.

She explained that the ten female chairmen and 47 wives of LGA and LCDA Chairmen will be tasked with raising TB awareness, promoting health-seeking behaviours, and spearheading community-driven initiatives aimed at early detection and prevention.

“These local leaders are the closest to the people,” she said, and they are uniquely positioned to change attitudes, debunk myths, and ensure that TB is treated with the seriousness it deserves,” she added.

Sanwo-Olu also explained that the partnership between STOP TB and the Steering Committee will bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as international partners, in a coordinated effort to combat the disease.

She noted that Nigeria has the tools, knowledge, and partnerships to reverse the trend in TB spread and citing the 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the First Lady noted that TB continues to be a significant public health threat.

In Nigeria alone, over 479,000 cases of TB were recorded in 2023, with 18,541 of those cases in Lagos.

“These numbers are staggering, TB is preventable and curable, and with the right focus, we can eradicate it from our communities,” she added.

The First Lady also stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of government and society. She called on stakeholders in healthcare, education, finance, infrastructure, and law enforcement to support the TB prevention efforts. She noted that religious bodies, community leaders, and private organisations must also play a role in raising awareness and breaking the stigma associated with the disease.

Sanwo-Olu urged citizens to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks while noting that diagnosis and treatment for TB are free across Lagos, with over 301 Primary Healthcare Centres, 30 General Hospitals, and several selected private hospitals offering Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS) services.

The Chairman, Lagos State TB Steering Committee, Dr Abimbola Mabogunje, said LGA/LCDA chairmen and their wives will play key roles in shaping the response to tuberculosis across Lagos. “Our female chairmen and their wives will bring unique perspectives and strengthen the programme. We look forward to their impactful contributions in advocating for TB awareness, prevention, and treatment at the grassroots level,” he said.

He explained that the TB Steering Committee and STOP TB Partnership would play a crucial role in guiding the state’s strategic response to the disease. “Our expertise, passion, and commitment will drive innovation, advocacy, and community engagement, all of which are essential in reducing the burden of TB in our state,” she added.