Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has called on residents to take collective action in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) by advocating for early detection, supporting those affected, and utilizing the state’s free testing and treatment services.
Speaking on Monday during a sensitization walk organized by the Ministry of Health to mark the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day, Coker described TB as the world’s leading infectious killer.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, the Commissioner emphasized the need for increased awareness and collaboration to eliminate TB in Ogun State and across Nigeria.
She commended the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners for their support, which has expanded access to free TB laboratory tests and treatment in 623 facilities across the state’s 20 local government areas, including government, private, and missionary hospitals.
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Coker stressed the importance of completing the six-month TB treatment regimen, urging families and caregivers to support patients rather than stigmatize them. She also encouraged individuals living with TB patients to undergo screening and preventive treatment, emphasizing that eradicating the disease requires community-wide effort.
“We invite you all to join hands with us as we strive to end TB in our communities. Encourage anyone coughing for two weeks or more to visit the nearest health facility for free testing and treatment, and ensure that all those on medication complete their treatment,” she said.
State TB Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Olusola Taiwo, highlighted the government’s intensified efforts in awareness creation, targeting media platforms, correctional facilities, schools, and religious centers. She urged religious leaders to educate their congregations about TB symptoms and available free treatment while calling on private healthcare providers to collaborate with the state TB programme for diagnostic services and medication.
Similarly, the Deputy Country Representative of Damien Foundation Belgium (Nigeria Project), Dr. Olatunbosun Fadeyi, underscored the importance of continuous collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that everyone has a role to play in ending TB in Nigeria.
