The rising number of tuberculosis cases in Ogun State has raised concerns for the state government. Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, addressed this issue during a news conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday, coinciding with the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day. She emphasised the implementation of strategic measures to combat the disease.
World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness about the global tuberculosis epidemic and initiatives to eradicate it. The theme for the 2024 celebration is ‘Yes! We Can End TB.’
Coker nailed the importance of early detection, expressing that timely identification enables effective treatment with modern medicines.
According to the health commissioner, the state government has prioritised this issue, intensifying awareness campaigns and improving access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas.
Collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners, she stated that the Ogun state government offers free treatment to tuberculosis patients across its 20 local government areas through a network of 623 government health centres and selected private and missionary facilities.
Coker urged residents to promptly report individuals displaying symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, difficulty breathing, or blood-stained sputum, as these could indicate tuberculosis.
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