· As First Lady Champions The Fight Against TB, Urges Swift Action
By Husaini Husaini Legbo
In a significant move to combat tuberculosis in Lagos, the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, spearheaded a pivotal initiative on October 8, 2024. At a prestigious event held in the First Lady’s Banquet Hall at Lagos House, she officially inaugurated key components in the state’s fight against TB: the Local Government and Local Council TB Champions and Ambassadors, the Lagos State TB Steering Committee, and the Lagos STOP TB Partnership. This landmark occasion marked a unified effort to strengthen awareness, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis across the state, emphasizing the importance of community-driven action in addressing the public health challenge.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that in a powerful demonstration of Lagos State’s commitment to eradicating tuberculosis, the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, presided over a transformative ceremony that brought together key stakeholders in the TB fight. Female chairmen and wives of Local Government and Local Council Development Area leaders were invested as TB Champions and Ambassadors, tasked with driving awareness and advocacy in their communities. Additionally, the Lagos State TB Steering Committee was inaugurated to oversee policy implementation and resource mobilization, ensuring the success of TB control programs. The event also marked the launch of the Stop TB Partnership, Lagos, designed to enhance collaboration between government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders. This initiative represents a bold step towards building a unified and stronger response to TB in Lagos.
In her keynote address, First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu underscored the vital role of collaboration and community leadership in the fight against tuberculosis. She called on the newly appointed TB Champions to lead efforts in raising public awareness, improving access to diagnosis and treatment, and breaking down the stigma associated with the disease. The First Lady emphasized that collective action and grassroots involvement are crucial to ending TB in Lagos, urging the champions to become powerful advocates within their communities to drive lasting change.
The First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stressed the urgency of taking proactive steps to address the tuberculosis crisis in Lagos. Citing alarming statistics—2.4 million Nigerians affected by TB, with Lagos contributing around 32,000 cases—she called for swift and decisive action from the newly invested female local government leaders and the spouses of their male counterparts. Dr. Sanwo-Olu urged them to champion the fight against TB in their communities, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness, improving healthcare access, and accelerating efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu highlighted the pivotal role women play in driving advocacy and promoting community health, remarking, “Women are powerful. While men may lead, women provide essential support and direction.” She encouraged the newly appointed female chairpersons to harness their influence and actively mobilize resources to raise awareness about tuberculosis prevention and treatment. The First Lady emphasized that by leveraging their leadership and networks, these women could become catalysts for meaningful change in the fight against TB in their communities.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu urged the newly appointed TB Champions to embrace creative and cost-effective advocacy methods in their efforts to combat tuberculosis. She recommended using community drawings, social media campaigns, and grassroots initiatives to spread vital information on TB prevention and treatment. By engaging the community through accessible and innovative channels, she emphasized, they could raise awareness more effectively and foster a deeper understanding of the disease, ultimately driving change at the local level.
“Prevention is better than cure,” she reiterated, reminding the audience that both TB screening and treatment are free for those in need.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in the fight against tuberculosis, encouraging the TB Champions to build strong networks and platforms for sharing ideas and best practices. She urged them to work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to create a united front against the disease. By fostering partnerships and exchanging strategies, she emphasized, they could amplify their impact and drive more effective, community-led solutions to eradicate TB.
“Within 48 hours of your investiture, start taking action. You have a responsibility to your community,” she said.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the pivotal role of the STOP TB Partnership and the TB Steering Committee in galvanizing resources and fostering essential collaborations. She emphasized that these bodies would serve as crucial bridges, linking government, civil society, and community platforms to create a unified response to tuberculosis. By coordinating efforts and pooling resources, these partnerships would be instrumental in driving comprehensive strategies to prevent, treat, and ultimately eradicate TB across Lagos
In her closing remarks, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urged community leaders, health officials, and philanthropists to unite in addressing the tuberculosis crisis effectively. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling this urgent health challenge. The First Lady encouraged the newly appointed TB Champions to establish clear targets and work tirelessly within their communities to foster a healthier Lagos State. By combining efforts and staying committed, she asserted, they could make significant strides in the fight against TB and improve the overall health of the population.
Echoing the First Lady’s sentiments, Lagos Commissioner for Health Professor Abayomi revealed a troubling statistic: around 32,000 individuals in Lagos are currently living with undiagnosed tuberculosis, with only 515 cases identified this year. He called on the audience to fully grasp the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for heightened awareness, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment to address the growing TB crisis in the state. And he has this to say “That means there are 15,000 people in Lagos right now walking around and living with tuberculosis that have not been diagnosed.”
Professor Abayomi underscored the highly infectious nature of tuberculosis, warning that each untreated case could potentially spread the disease to as many as 15 others each year. This alarming transmission rate, he cautioned, could pave the way for a widespread epidemic if left unchecked. His message highlighted the critical need for immediate action in identifying and treating TB cases to prevent a larger public health crisis.
The Commissioner emphasized the vital role of community involvement in identifying and treating tuberculosis patients, highlighting that the spouses of local government chairpersons could be instrumental in this effort. He urged them to engage actively with their communities, leveraging their influence to promote awareness and facilitate the identification of those in need of diagnosis and treatment. By mobilizing grassroots support, he noted, they could significantly enhance the effectiveness of TB control initiatives in Lagos.
“You must continue to talk to your husbands and tell them that the program you came to today is so important,” he urged.
Professor Abayomi outlined the essential treatment protocols for tuberculosis, emphasizing that effective management requires a rigorous six-month course of antibiotics. He highlighted the critical role of Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), which ensures that patients adhere to their medication regimen. This approach is vital not only for successful treatment outcomes but also for preventing the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the disease. By prioritizing adherence through DOT, the healthcare system can significantly improve the fight against TB in Lagos.
“If you don’t take your medicine properly, you’re going to get what’s called drug-resistant tuberculosis,” he warned.
Similarly, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, emphasized the crucial role of community engagement in the battle against tuberculosis. She urged the newly appointed female leaders to take the initiative in advocating for greater awareness and mobilizing resources to bolster TB prevention efforts. Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted that by fostering community involvement, they could drive impactful change and ensure a more effective response to the TB crisis in Lagos.
“Organize community events, rallies, and sensitization programs to educate people about TB symptoms, prevention, and treatment,” she maintained.
Dr. Ogunyemi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders engaged in the fight against tuberculosis, acknowledging their vital contributions to the cause. She reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to achieving a TB-free Lagos by 2035, emphasizing that collective efforts and continued collaboration will be essential in realizing this ambitious goal. Her message resonated with the audience, inspiring renewed determination to combat TB and protect the health of the community. “Together, we can eradicate tuberculosis and create a healthier, brighter future for all residents of Lagos State,”
It should be noted at this juncture that the Lagos State’s renewed commitment to ending tuberculosis by 2035 underscores a collective determination to foster a healthier, stigma-free society. Through these initiatives, the state aims to ensure that every individual has access to quality healthcare, reinforcing the belief that proactive measures and community involvement are essential in the fight against TB. This resolute approach reflects a broader vision for a healthier future, where everyone can live free from the burden of disease.
Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, Chairman of the Lagos TB Steering Committee, emphasized that the formation of the Stop TB Partnership and the TB Steering Committee represents crucial advancements in the fight against tuberculosis. He highlighted that these initiatives are essential for fostering a coordinated and effective response to the disease, paving the way for improved strategies and collaboration among stakeholders. Through these efforts, Lagos aims to enhance its capabilities in combating TB and safeguarding public health.
“This initiative will enhance collaboration among stakeholders, streamline efforts in diagnosis and treatment, and ensure that we are aligned in our mission to eradicate tuberculosis,” she maintained.
In conclusion however, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje called for the active engagement of all stakeholders—including health professionals, community leaders, and citizens—to unite in the fight against tuberculosis. He urged everyone to harness their collective strength and resources, emphasizing that a collaborative approach is essential for effectively combating this public health challenge. By working together, he asserted, the community can make significant strides in controlling TB and protecting the health of all Lagos residents. “Let us share our resources and work towards a common goal: a Lagos where tuberculosis is no longer a threat to our families and communities,”
