…takes TB campaign to Obalende
The wife of the Lagos State Governor and the State TB Ambassador, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, urged residents with a cough lasting for two weeks or more to go for immediate Tuberculosis screening at designated facilities, noting that screening, diagnosis and treatment are free for the first six months.
She made this known during the Tuberculosis Awareness Campaign and Screening Programme held at the Obalende Bus Terminal, Obalende advising residents to sleep in well-ventilated rooms as well as seek prompt care for persistent cough and other symptoms.
She also urged residents to share accurate information on TB, encourage testing for suspected cases and treatment completion while residents should ensure they shun stigmatisation of those affected.
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, described tuberculosis as a preventable and curable disease, noting that screening, diagnosis as well as treatment are provided free of charge at designated facilities. She added that the major challenge is identifying those who have the disease early and ensuring they receive appropriate care.
She explained that the district’s effort goes beyond awareness and screening, adding that Directly Observed Treatment, short-course (DOTS) services are available in 19 designated Primary Healthcare Centres across the district including private facilities and the services provide treatment support, monitoring as well as follow-up for people diagnosed with tuberculosis to promote adherence to medication and improve treatment outcomes.
“I commend the First Lady for championing this campaign. I would like to reiterate that TB is not a death sentence and the government will continue to bring people-oriented healthcare services closer to the citizenry. I therefore urge everyone to improve their health-seeking behaviour, because early detection saves lives,” she said.
The Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Bola Oladunjoye, said TB remains a major public health concern, with many suffering due to poor information and late presentation. The chairman stressed that the campaign would help residents identify symptoms early and seek timely care.
The programme featured a free medical outreach which includes tuberculosis, HIV, hypertension and diabetes screenings among other health conditions. Free treatment and medications were also made available to eligible beneficiaries as part of efforts to improve access to essential healthcare services and promote early detection of diseases.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Third Lens.
Contact: theeditor@thirdlensng.com
