OSUN STEPS UP TB ERADICATION DRIVE, URGES RESIDENTS TO EMBRACE FREE SCREENING
By Segilola Babalola,
The Osun State Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB), calling for increased public awareness and community participation as the state joined the global community to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day. The renewed drive is aimed at boosting early detection and ensuring prompt treatment of cases across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Ayetoro Junction, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, emphasized the need to scale up sensitization campaigns to eliminate tuberculosis in Osun.
The event also featured free tuberculosis and blood pressure screenings for residents.
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every March 24 by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to mobilize global efforts toward ending the epidemic.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Akeem Bello, the Permanent Secretary described tuberculosis as both preventable and curable. He urged residents to take advantage of the free screening services and to commence treatment immediately if diagnosed positive.
According to him, TB remains present in communities and can only be effectively tackled through aggressive screening and case detection. He noted that identifying more cases is a positive step, as it enables health authorities to place patients on treatment and gradually reduce the burden of the disease in the state.
He further advised residents to avoid overcrowded environments and to promptly seek medical attention if they experience persistent cough or other related symptoms. The programme, organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Damien Foundation and SHED, FC-SDS(IHVN) was held under the theme, “Yes! We Can End TB.”
In his remarks, the Osun State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme Manager, Dr. Oladele Akano, reiterated that TB treatment remains free of charge in all designated public health facilities. He listed common symptoms to include persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, chest pain and prolonged low-grade fever.
Dr. Akano encouraged residents to refer suspected cases to nearby health facilities for immediate attention, noting that treatment centres in the state include UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Asubiaro State Specialist Hospital, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex and Wesley Guild Hospital.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of the Damien Foundation in Nigeria and Programme Coordinator for the Global Fund Project, Dr. Fadeyi Olasunkanmi, disclosed that the foundation supports Osun State in providing free TB diagnosis and treatment services. He revealed that while Nigeria previously detected only about 25 per cent of its estimated TB cases, sustained interventions in Osun have increased diagnosis coverage to about 85 per cent, expressing optimism that continued efforts would significantly reduce the TB burden.
Highlights of the event included a “Walk to Live” awareness campaign, community sensitization, blood pressure checks, chest examinations and on-the-spot TB testing.