· To Inaugurate State’s STOP TB Partnership, Mobilizes Health Advocates to Combat Tuberculosis
· Outlines Vision for Grassroots TB Advocacy
By Aminat Umar
Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled an ambitious new initiative aimed at intensifying grassroots advocacy in the battle against tuberculosis (TB). This groundbreaking effort seeks to raise awareness and mobilize communities across Lagos, enhancing early detection and treatment while combating stigma. By leveraging local networks and empowering health advocates, the initiative positions Lagos at the forefront of the fight against TB, focusing on vulnerable populations and ensuring a more robust, community-driven approach to eradicating the disease. Dr. Sanwo-Olu’s leadership reaffirms her commitment to improving public health and promoting preventive care at the grassroots level.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it state that the first lady highlighted the initiative as a major step in Lagos State’s fight against tuberculosis, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. The program will officially install female leaders, including Chairmen’s wives from Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA), to spearhead the movement. Additionally, the launch of the STOP TB Partnership in Lagos and the inauguration of the State TB Steering Committee will drive a grassroots-led health campaign, crucial for the state’s aggressive push to eradicate TB. These efforts aim to mobilize communities and enhance awareness at the local level for more effective action.
At the media briefing ahead of two major events set for tomorrow at Lagos House, Alausa-Ikeja, the First Lady unveiled plans to leverage local leadership in the fight against tuberculosis. She emphasized the role of grassroots leaders in raising awareness and spearheading TB prevention efforts across the state, marking a strategic push to strengthen health initiatives through community engagement.
The briefing which was held at the Pavilion of Lagos House, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu stressed the vital role grassroots leaders will play in combating tuberculosis. She highlighted their unique position to drive awareness, prevention, and early intervention, underscoring the importance of community leadership in achieving lasting progress against the disease.
She announced that the 10 Female Chairmen, along with the 47 wives of Local Government and Local Council Chairmen, will take on key roles in raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB). Their efforts will focus on encouraging health-seeking behaviors and leading community-based initiatives designed to promote early detection and prevention. Through this campaign, they aim to foster a proactive approach to fighting TB, ensuring that vulnerable populations have the knowledge and resources needed to stay healthy and seek timely medical attention
“These local leaders are the closest to the people,” she said. “They are uniquely positioned to change attitudes, debunk myths, and ensure that TB is treated with the seriousness it deserves. Tomorrow’s investiture is a step towards empowering them to lead this fight”, she added.
Similarly, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu emphasized the critical role of the STOP TB Partnership and the TB Steering Committee in bolstering tuberculosis control initiatives across Lagos. She highlighted how these platforms are essential for coordinating efforts, enhancing collaboration, and driving impactful strategies to curb the spread of TB. Through these partnerships, Lagos aims to create a stronger, united front in the fight against the disease, ensuring more effective prevention, treatment, and community engagement.
She stated that the partnership will unite crucial stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, along with international allies, in a collaborative effort to tackle tuberculosis. This coordinated approach is designed to enhance resource sharing, streamline strategies, and foster innovative solutions, ultimately creating a powerful coalition dedicated to eradicating the disease and improving health outcomes for the community.
Meanwhile, the Steering Committee will take charge of executing targeted strategies aimed at curbing tuberculosis transmission and enhancing health outcomes throughout the state. By providing leadership and oversight, the committee will ensure that initiatives are effectively implemented, monitored, and adapted as necessary, ultimately striving to create a healthier environment and protect communities from the impact of TB.
Referencing the 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the First Lady highlighted that tuberculosis remains a pressing public health challenge. In Nigeria, more than 479,000 TB cases were reported in 2023, with Lagos accounting for 18,541 of these cases. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat the disease and protect the health of communities across the state.
“These numbers are staggering,” she said, “but we have the tools, the knowledge, and the partnerships to reverse this trend. TB is preventable and curable, and with the right focus, we can eradicate it from our communities.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu addressed the pressing challenges of tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action. She commended ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing living conditions in high-risk areas, such as slums and military barracks, where the combination of overcrowding and inadequate sanitation fuels the disease’s spread. By focusing on these vulnerable communities, efforts are being made to mitigate TB’s impact and foster healthier environments for all.
“Clearing our gutters, improving sanitation, and ensuring better housing are part of our broader strategy to fight TB,” she said.
Moreso, she also underscored the critical importance of collaboration among all sectors of government and society in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). She urged stakeholders from healthcare, education, finance, infrastructure, and law enforcement to unite their efforts in supporting TB prevention initiatives. By fostering a collective response, she emphasized that we can create a more robust and effective strategy to combat this public health challenge and protect vulnerable populations.
She highlighted the vital role that religious organizations, community leaders, and private entities must play in combating tuberculosis (TB) by raising awareness and dismantling the stigma surrounding the disease. By engaging these influential groups, we can foster a more informed public, encouraging open dialogue and understanding that will empower individuals affected by TB and promote healthier communities.
Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu elaborated on the comprehensive measures in place to combat tuberculosis (TB) in Lagos, revealing that diagnosis and treatment are available at no cost. With over 301 Primary Healthcare Centres, 30 General Hospitals, and various selected private hospitals providing Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS) services, the government is committed to ensuring accessible and effective care for all residents. This initiative reflects a robust public health strategy aimed at eradicating TB and safeguarding the health of the community.
She encouraged citizens to prioritize their health by seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms like a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks. Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, she urged the community to be vigilant and proactive, as timely medical care is crucial in effectively addressing tuberculosis (TB) and preventing its spread.
The First Lady expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the TB Steering Committee and the STOP TB Partnership for their unwavering dedication to the cause. She emphasized that the collaboration between local and international partners is essential for achieving the state’s health objectives. To maintain momentum in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), she proposed regular bimonthly or quarterly meetings with state TB champions, ensuring a coordinated approach to track progress and reinforce efforts in this critical battle.
Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that tomorrow’s investiture and inauguration event will serve as a pivotal moment in Lagos State’s efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB). She highlighted the significance of this occasion in galvanizing support and action towards enhancing the state’s TB prevention initiatives, marking a renewed commitment to safeguarding public health and driving meaningful change in the community.
“Tomorrow’s investiture is not just a ceremony,” she concluded, “it is a call to action. Together, we will make a significant impact in the fight against TB, not just in Lagos, but across Nigeria.”
Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, Chairman of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee on the other hand underscored the importance of the upcoming event, highlighting the critical role that female chairpersons and the wives of LGA/LCDA chairmen will play in shaping Lagos’s response to tuberculosis (TB). He emphasized that their leadership and influence are vital for mobilizing community efforts and driving effective strategies to combat the disease across the state.
“Our female chairmen and the wives of chairmen bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table. We look forward to their impactful contributions in advocating for TB awareness, prevention, and treatment at the grassroots level,” he said.
She elaborated that the TB Steering Committee and the STOP TB Partnership in Lagos will be instrumental in steering the state’s strategic approach to tackling tuberculosis (TB). Their expertise and collaborative efforts are essential for formulating effective policies and implementing initiatives that will significantly enhance the state’s capacity to combat the disease and protect public health.
“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,” Dr. Mabogunje noted.
Dr. Mabogunje highlighted the human aspect of the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, urging everyone to draw inspiration from the resilience and bravery of those affected by the disease. He emphasized that their stories of strength and perseverance should motivate collective action and compassion, reminding us of the vital importance of supporting individuals and families facing the challenges of TB.
“We honor their strength by working together to ensure that all Lagosians have access to quality healthcare and the support they need,” she said.
On the basis of this however, tomorrow, the investiture and inauguration ceremony will unfold at Lagos House, gathering top officials, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders from both public and private sectors. This significant event promises to foster collaboration and inspire unified efforts in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), marking a vital step towards enhancing health initiatives in the state.
The event will officially usher in a new era in Lagos State’s commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) and enhancing public health outcomes. It symbolizes a renewed dedication to innovative strategies and collaborative efforts aimed at transforming the health landscape and safeguarding the well-being of the community.
In conclusion however, the media briefing was attended by several prominent figures, including State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi. Also present were the Permanent Secretaries of Lagos Health Districts, Director of Disease Control, Dr. Rotimi Agbolagorite, TB, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Program Manager, Dr. Daniel Shokoya, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi. Additionally, members of the STOP TB Partnership and the TB Steering Committee were in attendance, underscoring the collaborative effort to combat tuberculosis in the state.
