Lagos Raises Alarm as Tuberculosis Cases Hit 18,541

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of governor of Lagos State, has raised alarm over the rising cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in the state insisting that the disease remains a pressing public health concern.

Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed during a media briefing in Lagos, said that Nigeria reported over 479,000 cases in 2023, with Lagos accounting for 18,541 cases.

“These figures are alarming,” she stated, “but we have the resources, knowledge, and partnerships to change this trajectory. TB is preventable and curable, and with focused efforts, we can eradicate it from our communities.”

To combat the spread of TB, the First Lady announced a major grassroots initiative aimed at strengthening advocacy and prevention.

The initiative will include the investiture of female chairpersons and wives of Local Government Area (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairmen. It will also feature the official launch of the Stop TB Partnership, Lagos, and the inauguration of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee.

These measures, according to the First Lady, represent critical steps in Lagos’ aggressive campaign to eradicate TB. The initiative will leverage local leadership to drive TB awareness and prevention efforts, particularly in high-risk communities.

“The 10 female chairpersons and 47 wives of LGA and LCDA chairmen will be instrumental in spreading TB awareness and promoting early detection and prevention strategies within their communities,” she explained.

“These local leaders are closest to the people, making them uniquely suited to challenge misconceptions, encourage health-seeking behavior, and ensure that TB is taken seriously. Tomorrow’s investiture is a step toward empowering them to lead this charge,” she added.

Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the critical role of the STOP TB Partnership and the TB Steering Committee, which will bring together public and private stakeholders, including international partners, to combat the disease.

The Steering Committee will oversee the implementation of strategies aimed at reducing TB transmission and improving health outcomes across the state.

During the briefing, the First Lady also praised the ongoing efforts to improve living conditions in slums and overcrowded areas such as military barracks, where TB thrives due to poor sanitation.

“Improving sanitation, clearing gutters, and ensuring better housing conditions are part of our broader strategy to fight TB,” she noted.

Collaboration across sectors will be key to the success of these initiatives, Sanwo-Olu stressed, calling on stakeholders from healthcare, education, infrastructure, finance, and law enforcement to contribute to the fight against TB.

She also called on religious bodies, community leaders, and private organizations to raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding the disease.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that TB diagnosis and treatment are free in Lagos, with services available at 301 Primary Healthcare Centres, 30 General Hospitals, and selected private hospitals offering Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS).

She urged anyone experiencing TB symptoms, such as a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, to seek medical attention promptly.

Expressing her gratitude to the TB Steering Committee and the Stop TB Partnership for their dedication, Sanwo-Olu called for regular meetings with state TB champions to ensure continuous progress.

“Tomorrow’s event is not just a ceremony. It is a call to action. Together, we will make a lasting impact in the fight against TB, not just in Lagos, but across Nigeria,” she said.