The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) as it joined the global community to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day 2026 at Molete Primary Health Centre in Ibadan South West Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described TB as a major public health concern with far-reaching social and economic consequences. She noted, however, that the disease remains both preventable and curable with timely and appropriate interventions.
Ajetunmobi highlighted the state’s adoption of evidence-based strategies, including early detection, effective treatment, and strengthened community engagement, backed by sustained investments in primary healthcare. She stressed the importance of collaboration and increased funding to bridge gaps in diagnosis, noting that many TB cases remain undetected.
As part of efforts to curb the disease, the state has expanded TB services to primary healthcare centres, intensified active case finding through outreach teams, and deployed modern diagnostic tools to improve treatment outcomes. Residents were also urged to seek medical attention early, particularly for persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, while efforts to reduce stigma were reinforced.
The Commissioner flagged off integrated health outreaches across all 33 local government areas, providing free screening, testing, and counselling services for TB, HIV, and malaria.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Kehinde Ayinde, disclosed that the state had released counterpart funding to strengthen TB control programmes. He called for collective action among stakeholders, in line with the national drive themed “Led by Government, Powered by the People.”
Development partners, including the World Health Organization, Damien Foundation Belgium, Christianah Olawumi Foundation, Apin Public Health Initiative, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, commended the state government’s progress and pledged continued support towards eradicating TB.
