Lagos State First Lady Launches Grassroots Advocacy Initiative to Combat Tuberculosis

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a major initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots efforts in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB). Announcing the plan at a media briefing ahead of two key events scheduled for tomorrow, Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the pivotal role of local leaders in driving awareness and prevention efforts across Lagos.

Key components of the initiative include the investiture of Female Chairmen and Wives of Local Government Area (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen, the launch of the STOP TB Partnership Lagos, and the inauguration of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee. These steps, according to the First Lady, are designed to empower community leaders to spearhead the fight against TB at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the briefing held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the critical role of local leaders in raising TB awareness, promoting early detection, and encouraging health-seeking behaviors. “These leaders are closest to the people and are uniquely positioned to influence attitudes and debunk myths around TB. Tomorrow’s investiture is about empowering them to lead this battle,” she stated.

The First Lady also highlighted the significance of the STOP TB Partnership and TB Steering Committee, which will bring together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to strengthen TB control efforts across the state. The partnership aims to reduce TB transmission rates through coordinated strategies and collaborations.

Drawing attention to the latest figures from the 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that over 479,000 cases of TB were recorded in Nigeria, with Lagos accounting for 18,541 of those cases. She stressed the importance of taking decisive action to reverse the trend, adding that “TB is preventable and curable, and with the right approach, we can eradicate it from our communities.”In her remarks, Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised ongoing efforts to improve living conditions in high-risk areas like slums and military barracks, where overcrowding and poor sanitation exacerbate the spread of TB. She called on various sectors, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and law enforcement, to support the TB prevention campaign.

Furthermore, the First Lady urged citizens to take advantage of free TB diagnosis and treatment services available at over 301 Primary Healthcare Centres, 30 General Hospitals, and selected private hospitals across Lagos, all offering Directly Observed Therapy Shortcourse (DOTS) services.

Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, Chairman of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee, also addressed the media, highlighting the critical role female leaders will play in the state’s TB response. “Our female Chairmen and the Wives of Chairmen bring unique strengths to this effort, and we are confident in their ability to drive TB awareness and prevention initiatives at the grassroots level,” he said.

Tomorrow’s investiture and inauguration, set to take place at Lagos House, Alausa, will bring together top officials, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders. The event marks the beginning of a new chapter in Lagos State's campaign to eradicate TB and improve public health outcomes.