32,000 Lagosians infected with TB — Sanwo-Olu

WIFE of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that the number of people infected by tuberculosis, TB, has increased to 32,000 in Lagos out of the over 479,000 cases reported in Nigeria.

Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu also announced an initiative to strengthen grassroots advocacy in the fight against tuberculosis, TB. 

Speaking at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, during a media briefing, the governor’s wife outlined plans to harness local leadership in driving TB awareness and prevention efforts across Lagos. 

Citing the 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report from the World Health Organization, WHO, the First Lady noted that TB remains a significant public health threat. 

She said: “In Nigeria alone, over 479,000 cases of TB were recorded in 2023, with 18,541 of those cases in Lagos. The number of people suffering on 2024 increased to 32,000 in Lagos.

“These numbers are staggering, but we have the tools, the knowledge, and the partnerships to reverse this trend. 

“TB is preventable and curable, and with the right focus, we can eradicate it from our communities.”

She, however, tasked religious bodies, community leaders, and private organizations to raise awareness and break the stigma associated with the disease.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu explained that the 10 female Chairmen and 47 wives of LGA and Local Council Development Authorities, LCDA, Chairmen will be tasked with raising TB awareness, promoting health-seeking behaviors, and spearheading community-driven initiatives aimed at early detection and prevention.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State TB Steering Committee, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, said: “Our expertise, passion, and commitment will drive innovation, advocacy, and community engagement, all of which are essential in reducing the burden of TB in our state.”