The Lagos State First Lady, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to seek early testing for tuberculosis (TB), warning that delayed diagnosis could increase the risk of transmission and worsen health outcomes.
She made the call during a medical outreach organised by Lagos State Health District IV at the Yaba Bus Terminal, where she stressed the need to intensify public awareness about the disease, particularly in densely populated areas.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’ high population density and urban challenges increased the risk of tuberculosis transmission, adding that more dedicated treatment centres were needed to improve detection, decentralise care and reduce stigma, particularly for patients with drug-resistant TB.
She noted that the state government provides free tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment to reduce the financial burden on patients and improve access to healthcare.
The First Lady also disclosed that Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, serves as the national ambassador for tuberculosis, while she and other committee members support advocacy efforts in Lagos.
She urged residents to encourage anyone who had experienced a persistent cough for two weeks or longer to seek medical evaluation, stressing that early testing and treatment were essential to controlling the disease.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Abimbola Bowale, commended the First Lady’s efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the campaign to end tuberculosis in the state.
Bowale said sustained public sensitisation was important for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and promoting community safety.
Also speaking, the Medical Director of Harvey General Hospital, Dr Folashade Fadare, explained that tuberculosis was a contagious bacterial infection spread through the air, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of affecting other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys and spine.
She noted that tuberculosis was preventable and curable but could be fatal if active infection remained untreated.
