Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for sustainable funding models beyond donor support to boost treatment and tackle the burden of tuberculosis (TB) among residents.
Sanwo-Olu called for the adoption of innovative approaches such as trust funds and the integration of TB services into health insurance schemes to ensure continuity of care for patients.
She made the call on Tuesday during a symposium held to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24.
The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Yes! We can end TB: Led by countries, powered by people”.
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Highlighting the urgent need for national leadership, increased investment and community-driven action to accelerate TB elimination and scale up diagnostic innovations, Sanwo-Olu decried the level of undetected TB cases in Lagos.
She disclosed that out of an estimated 30,000 cases, only about 16,000 had been identified and placed on treatment.
According to her, the undetected TB cases leave a significant number of infected persons within the community capable of spreading the disease.
The governor’s wife advocated the use of digital tools, creative content and simplified messaging such as “Check Am” to drive awareness, while also promoting an integrated approach combining TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria interventions.
She emphasised the need for intensified awareness and innovative strategies to combat tuberculosis, noting that the disease remained both preventable and curable.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that community health officers and grassroots workers must serve as “foot soldiers” in the fight against TB.
She urged them to remain resilient despite challenges encountered in the field while amplifying accurate information to underserved populations.
Highlighting the importance of early education, Sanwo-Olu advocated deliberate engagement of students in TB advocacy, noting that catching them young would help disseminate accurate information within communities and reduce misinformation.
She further explained that TB treatment typically lasts between four and six months, warning that failure to complete treatment could lead to drug-resistant TB, which may require up to 18 months of intensive care.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described tuberculosis as a major public health concern in Lagos due to its contagious nature and the state’s dense population.
Abayomi explained that TB is transmitted through the air and often presents with symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats.
He advised residents to seek medical evaluation promptly when such symptoms occur.
Abayomi disclosed that Lagos records about 24,000 TB cases annually, with approximately 16,000 identified, leaving a significant number of undiagnosed cases contributing to ongoing transmission within communities.
He warned against drug-resistant TB resulting from incomplete treatment, stressing the importance of adherence to Directly Observed Therapy (DOT).
The commissioner also called for an end to stigma, which he said discourages patients from seeking care.
Similarly, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, described the commemoration as both symbolic and strategic, bringing together key stakeholders to renew commitment to ending TB.
Ogunyemi noted that the state had made significant strides through improved surveillance, expanded diagnostic capacity and increased access to treatment.
She emphasised that tackling TB requires addressing social determinants such as poverty and overcrowding.
Ogunyemi commended development partners, including international organisations and civil society groups, for their continued support, while urging sustained investment, innovation and community engagement to eliminate TB.
Also, Dr Vivian Ibiezoko, National Professional Officer of the World Health Organisation, commended Lagos State for its leadership in expanding access to TB services, including rapid testing and community-based interventions.
She, however, called for increased financing, improved diagnostic access, enhanced surveillance systems and stronger social protection to sustain progress and ensure equitable healthcare delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and the TB Steering Committee.
The event began with an awareness walk around the Lagos State Government Secretariat community in Alausa, Ikeja, drawing participation from key stakeholders, development partners, healthcare workers, students and community advocates.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically affecting the lungs but capable of affecting other parts of the body such as the brain and spine.
It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed that 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2024, while 1.23 million people died of the disease globally in the same year.
Nigeria has one of the world’s highest TB burdens, ranking sixth globally and first in Africa.
WHO estimates that each year, about 590,000 Nigerians contract the disease, while approximately 245,000 deaths are recorded.
It also said that the disease kills about 268 people in the country daily, noting that TB cases remain under-reported, increasing the risk of transmission.
The health agency estimated that one missed case can transmit TB to up to 15 people in a year, underscoring the severity of the TB challenge.
(NAN
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