LAGOS FIRST LADY MOBILIZES GRASSROOTS LEADERS FOR TB PREVENTION

… To Launch State’s STOP TB Partnership, Inaugurate Local Health Advocates

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has announced a bold new initiative to strengthen grassroots advocacy in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB). 

According to her, the initiative includes the investiture of Female Chairmen and Wives of Local Government Area (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen the official launch of the STOP TB Partnership, Lagos, and the inauguration of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee are pivotal steps in the state’s aggressive campaign to eradicate TB, setting the stage for a grassroots-driven health movement.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the two pivotal events scheduled to hold tomorrow at the Lagos House Alausa, Ikeja, the First Lady outlined plans to harness local leadership in driving TB awareness and prevention efforts across Lagos. 

During the briefing, held at the Pavilion of the Lagos House, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu emphasised the critical role that grassroots leaders will play in the fight against TB. She explained that the 10 Female Chairmen and 47 wives of LGA and LCDA Chairmen will be tasked with raising TB awareness, promoting health-seeking behaviours, and spearheading community-driven initiatives aimed at early detection and prevention.

“These local leaders are the closest to the people. 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. Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the significance of the STOP TB Partnership and the TB Steering Committee to strengthen TB control efforts across Lagos. 

According to her, the partnership will bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as international partners, in a coordinated effort to combat the disease. The Steering Committee, meanwhile, will oversee the implementation of strategies designed to reduce TB transmission and improve health outcomes in the state.

Citing the 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the First Lady noted that TB continues to be a significant public health threat. In Nigeria alone, over 479,000 cases of TB were recorded in 2023, with 18,541 of those cases in Lagos. 

“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”.

In addition to highlighting the challenges posed by TB, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu praised the efforts already underway to improve living conditions in high-risk areas such as slums and military barracks, where overcrowding and poor sanitation exacerbate the spread of the disease. “Clearing our gutters, improving sanitation, and ensuring better housing are part of our broader strategy to fight TB”, she said.

The First Lady also stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of government and society. She called on stakeholders in healthcare, education, finance, infrastructure, and law enforcement to support the TB prevention efforts. She noted that religious bodies, community leaders, and private organisations must also play a role in raising awareness and breaking the stigma associated with the disease.

Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu further explained that diagnosis and treatment for TB are free across Lagos, with over 301 Primary Healthcare Centres, 30 General Hospitals, and several selected private hospitals offering Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS) services. She urged citizens to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks.
The First Lady expressed her gratitude to the TB Steering Committee and the STOP TB Partnership for their dedication and commitment to the cause, noting that the collaboration between local and international partners will be crucial in achieving the state’s health goals. She also called for bimonthly or quarterly meetings with other state TB champions to ensure continuous progress in the fight against TB.
Concluding, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu reiterated the importance of tomorrow’s investiture and inauguration event as a turning point in Lagos State’s TB prevention efforts. “Tomorrow’s investiture is not just a ceremony”, she averred, “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”.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje emphasised the significance of the upcoming event, stressing the unique role that the female Chairmen and Wives of LGA/LCDA Chairmen will play in shaping the response to tuberculosis across Lagos. “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 further explained that the TB Steering Committee and STOP TB Partnership, Lagos would play a crucial role in guiding the state’s strategic response to the disease. “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.

Drawing attention to the human side of the epidemic, Dr. Mabogunje urged everyone to find inspiration in the resilience and courage of the individuals and families affected by TB. “We honour their strength by working together to ensure that all Lagosians have access to quality healthcare and the support they need”, she said.

The investiture and inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at Lagos House, and it is expected to bring together top officials, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The event will officially mark the start of a new chapter in Lagos State’s effort to eliminate TB and improve public health outcomes.

Also in attendance at the media briefing were the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretaries of Lagos Health Districts; Director, Disease Control, Dr. Rotimi Agbolagorite; TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme Manager, Dr. Daniel Shokoya; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi and members of the STOP TB Partnership and TB Steering Committee.