The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free testing and treatment for tuberculosis (TB), as it intensified public awareness on prevention and early detection to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day.
Speaking during the sensitisation campaign in Abeokuta, the State Tuberculosis Control Programme Officer, Mrs. Olusola Taiwo, described the annual event as an important platform to educate residents on the dangers of the disease and the availability of free healthcare services.
She stressed that tuberculosis is a curable airborne disease transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, warning that prolonged exposure in poorly ventilated environments significantly increases the risk of infection.
Taiwo identified a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more as a major symptom of TB, alongside other warning signs such as fever, chest pain, loss of appetite, night sweats, and in severe cases, coughing up blood.
Emphasising the importance of early detection, she noted that an untreated TB patient could infect between 10 and 15 people annually, urging residents to adopt preventive measures including proper ventilation, good nutrition, covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing, and avoiding indiscriminate spitting.
“We want to reassure residents that testing and treatment are free across designated health facilities in the state. Early detection remains key to controlling the spread of tuberculosis,” she said.
The programme officer also commended the state government for its sustained efforts in combating TB through continuous awareness campaigns, screening initiatives, and partnerships with development organisations such as Damien Foundation, APIN Public Health Initiatives, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria.
In her remarks, a representative of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Dr. Oluwabunmi Adebayo, noted that the awareness drive forms part of broader efforts to reduce the burden of communicable diseases, particularly tuberculosis, which remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and across Africa.
She added that the campaign seeks to bridge knowledge gaps, especially among residents unaware that TB treatment is free, encouraging individuals experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss to seek prompt medical attention.
Some participants in the sensitisation walk, including Mrs. Adeola Olanipekun and Mr. Ismael Kafidipe, admitted they previously had limited knowledge of tuberculosis but expressed willingness to undergo testing to determine their health status.
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