Oyo state government on Monday flagged off free Tuberculosis( TB) tests for residents across the 33 local government areas of the state to commemorate this year’s World Tuberculosis Day
The World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24th to raise awareness about the devastating impact of tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, and to mobilize efforts to end this preventable and curable disease
In his welcome address during the event held at Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, Agodi Gate, the State Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde
said despite the progress made, tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge and it is the world’s deadliest infectious disease and must be tackled with utmost urgency and responsibility.
He said the Oyo state government continues in its effort to help raise more awareness about the impact of Tuberculosis in the state and to encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Oyo state Hospital Management Board, Dr. Akin Fagbemi reiterated the commitment of the state in fighting the Tuberculosis disease, noting that governor Makinde’s administration continues to mobilise effort to end Tuberculosis in the state.
In her speech, the state commissioner for Health, Dr. Ajetunmobi described Tuberculosis as an airborne disease that is curable, said it remained one of the main causes of illness, said Nigeria ranks 6th among the 30 high TB burden countries in the world, and 1st in Africa, with Oyo State positioned 13th among the high TB burden states in the country.
Dr. Ajetunmobi said, this year World
Tuberculosis Day event provides an
opportunity to raise awareness about TB, review how the state is progressing, and renew commitment to eliminating preventable and curable diseases.
” Tuberculosis remains a major public health concern, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs. The disease spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, talk, or spit. Releasing infectious droplets
that others inhale. If left untreated, a person with active pulmonary TB can infect an average of 10 to 15 people annually. Unfortunately. Nigeria ranks 6th among the 30 high TB burden countries in the world and 1st in Africa, with Oyo State positioned 13th among the high TB burden states in the country. These statistics highlight the need for sustained interventions to detect, treat, and prevent the spread of TB.
” In 2024 a total of 641,414 individuals were clinically screened for TB in Oyo State. Out of this number, 200,935 were tested. Leading to the diagnosis and treatment of 14.930 cases, including 738 patients co-infected with TB and HIV. While this progress reflects our commitment to tackling TB, it also underscores the persistent burden of the disease in our state. These findings reinforce the need for intensified awareness, early detection, and continuous access to quality treatment to prevent transmission and reduce mortality.
Speaking further, Dr. Ajetunmobi said the state governor, Seyi Makinde has prioritized healthcare as one of the four cardinal pillars of governance.
” In collaboration with development partners, the government has established free TB services in 774 health facilities across the state, ensuring that no one is left behind.
She thereafter announced the commencement of a statewide community-based free TB screening and testing campaign
Dr. Ajetunmobi urged all residents experiencing a persistent cough to take advantage of this opportunity to get screened, tested, and treated at no cost.
The state health commissioner
appreciate the World Health Organization (WHO), Damien Foundation Belgium, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), APIN Public Health Initiatives, Christianah Olawumi Foundation (COF), as well as religious groups, occupational groups, civil society organizations, the media and all other partners who had collaborated with the Oyo state to fight against TB.
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