As part of activities to mark World Tuberculosis Day, the Anambra State Government has introduced specially equipped tricycles to boost mobile tuberculosis testing services across the state.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Awka on Tuesday, highlighted the government’s renewed push to strengthen early detection and treatment of the disease, particularly in underserved areas.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Obiageli Uchebo, said the initiative goes beyond symbolism, describing it as a strategic step toward eliminating tuberculosis through collective responsibility.
Uchebo noted that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable, and curable, emphasizing that its eradication depends on joint efforts by the government, communities, and relevant stakeholders.
She also reassured residents that testing and treatment services remain free in all designated health facilities across the state, stressing that cost would not be a barrier to access.
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“The 2026 commemoration, themed ‘Yes! We Can End TB’, underscores the need for national governments to take ownership of TB response, while communities and healthcare providers drive grassroots implementation,” she said.
She further explained that a significant proportion of global tuberculosis cases is concentrated in eight high-burden countries, including Nigeria, while Africa carries about a quarter of the global burden, largely due to factors such as HIV co-infection, poverty, and malnutrition.
Also addressing participants, the Programme Manager for TB, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy Control, Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, provided insights into the causes, symptoms, and prevention of tuberculosis, urging early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Chukwulobelu added that the deployment of the new tricycles would strengthen outreach efforts, especially in remote and hard-to-reach communities.
In a related development, the wife of the Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, earlier described tuberculosis as a serious public health concern, calling for stronger community-led interventions to curb its spread.
She emphasized that with many households affected by the disease, sustained action and proactive strategies remain crucial to achieving its elimination.