Lagos State Government intensified efforts to combat Tuberculosis with a large-scale awareness walk and symposium to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day.
Eko Hot News reports that the event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Office of the First Lady TB Steering Committee, began with an awareness walk at Alausa, Ikeja. Stakeholders, healthcare workers, students, and partners participated actively.
Participants carried placards and shared messages on prevention, early detection, and treatment adherence.
The exercise aimed to educate residents and encourage timely medical attention.
The initiative reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ending TB through collaboration and innovation.
The walk ended with a symposium at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium. Policymakers and health experts reviewed progress and discussed strategies to eliminate TB in Lagos.
Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urged stronger awareness and innovative approaches. She noted that TB is preventable and curable with the right interventions.
She encouraged grassroots workers to serve as key drivers of community education. She also stressed the importance of engaging students to promote early awareness.
The First Lady highlighted treatment duration and warned against incomplete medication. She explained that proper adherence helps prevent complications and supports recovery.
She also called for sustainable funding beyond donor support. Suggested options included trust funds and integration into health insurance schemes.
Akin Abayomi described TB as a major public health concern due to Lagos’ population density. He listed symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, and weight loss.
He revealed that thousands of cases remain undetected annually. This gap, he said, contributes to continued transmission within communities.
Kemi Ogunyemi noted progress in surveillance and diagnostic capacity. She emphasised the need to address social factors like overcrowding and poverty.
World Health Organization representative Vivian Ibiezoko commended Lagos for expanding TB services. She called for increased funding and stronger healthcare systems.
Other partners reaffirmed their support for improved detection and awareness. They stressed that collaboration remains key to achieving lasting results.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders. The shared goal remains to eliminate TB and ensure healthier communities across Lagos.
