Early detection of Tuberculosis (TB) is treatable and can be cured using a combination of modern medicine.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, stated this in Abeokuta, while fielding questions with journalists, to mark 2024 World TB Day, with the theme, “YES! We Can End TB”, saying state government with support from Federal Ministry of Health and partners, had been providing free treatment for TB patients in all 20 Local Government Areas through the network of 623 government health centres, selected private and missionary facilities.
Dr. Coker expressed concern over the rise in the number of TB cases, assuring that government was committed to urgent action to address the situation through increased awareness and education, as well as access to quality healthcare services for all residents, especially those in rural areas.
“If you or anyone you know have cough lasting two weeks or more with or without sputum, associated weight loss, profuse night sweating, difficulty in breathing or blood-stained sputum, go to the nearest government health facility for check, as this could be Tuberculosis”, she said.
Also in a separate interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, who urged residents to be vigilant and proactive in seeking medical help, if they notice any TB symptoms, emphasised the need for good hygiene and other infection control measures, to prevent the spread of the disease, stating that with collective efforts, the disease could be eradicated.
