The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) through improved community screening, expanded diagnostic centres and stronger collaboration with health partners.
Eko Hot News reports that the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District III, Monsurat Adeleke, made the statement during a courtesy visit by officials of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria to her office in Ikoyi.
Adeleke explained that the state government continues to prioritise health security and community health programmes across Lagos. She noted that stronger collaboration with health institutions and partners remains important in improving disease detection and prevention.
She also highlighted the role of the First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who serves as a tuberculosis champion and advocates for expanded screening and treatment services.
According to Adeleke, the First Lady’s advocacy has helped strengthen awareness campaigns and public education on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
She added that the government is continuously expanding diagnostic centres across the state to improve access to testing services for residents.
The Permanent Secretary further revealed that the Health District III team conducts regular community outreach programmes across neighbourhoods within the district.
She explained that the outreach programmes involve free TB screening and health education activities designed to improve early detection of the disease.
Adeleke noted that tuberculosis screening in Lagos State remains free for residents and forms part of broader health initiatives aimed at improving community well-being.
She also highlighted the capacity of the district’s health facilities. According to her, the district currently has 67 primary healthcare centres serving communities across the area.
Out of the 67 facilities, nine are fully comprehensive primary healthcare centres equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment.
She added that 21 of the primary healthcare centres have medical doctors available to support diagnosis and treatment, including the interpretation of X-ray results.
The Permanent Secretary further explained that several facilities within the district are equipped with X-ray viewing boxes to support TB diagnosis and improve service delivery.
Adeleke assured the visiting team that the district would continue to support initiatives that strengthen TB screening, integration of services and improved healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
She noted that the district regularly follows up on community health cases, including immunisation and disease monitoring programmes.
Earlier, the Head of Delegation and State Team Lead of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Adetokunbo Okungbure, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent efforts in addressing tuberculosis.
Okungbure noted that Lagos has continued to introduce innovative approaches aimed at improving disease screening and treatment services.
She emphasised the importance of screening patients who present with persistent cough symptoms at primary healthcare centres.
According to her, early testing helps ensure that patients receive appropriate care quickly and prevents further spread of the disease within communities.
She also requested continued support from the state government in areas such as TB screening programmes, training seminars for healthcare workers and stronger integration of services at primary healthcare centres.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of an award to Adeleke by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria.
The award recognised her contributions to strengthening tuberculosis control efforts and improving healthcare delivery within Lagos State.
