The Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for early diagnosis of Tuberculosis, emphasising the danger of the disease during a medical outreach organised by the Lagos State Health District IV at Yaba bus terminal.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu declared that the State needs to sensitise more Lagosians on tuberculosis, saying “Lagos is crucial due to the state's high burden of infection, which is driven by its dense population, urban challenges, and the need for specialised care to address multi-drug resistant cases”.
She submitted that establishing more Tuberculosis Hospitals and dedicated centres in Lagos is necessary towards decentralising care, reducing stigma, and improving detection and treatment rates. She noted that Lagos, as a major economic hub, has a high density of people, which increases Tuberculosis transmission rates.
She noted that Tuberculosis treatment and diagnosis are provided for free by the Government to reduce the economic burden on patients, who otherwise might not afford treatment costs.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu revealed that Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, is the National Ambassador for Tuberculosis, while she and other committee members are advocates of Tuberculosis in Lagos.
She advised Lagosians that if they notice anybody coughing for too long, like two weeks or more, they should show love to the person by asking the person to go for a check-up and check it, if it is tuberculosis, towards ending the disease in Lagos State.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Abimbola Bowale, who had earlier warmly welcomed the wife of the Governor and other dignitaries. applauded the efforts of the First Lady on the sensitisation and awareness campaign to end Tuberculosis in Lagos State.
He noted that the awareness campaign on Tuberculosis will ensure safety through professionalism, help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and offer crucial peace of mind to Lagosians.
Dr. Fadare Folashade, the Medical Director, Harvey General Hospital, gave an overview of Tuberculosis, emphasising that Tuberculosis is a contagious, airborne bacterial infection primarily affecting the Lungs, though it can also attack the brain, kidneys, or spine. It is both preventable and curable, but if left untreated, active Tuberculosis can be fatal.
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