Tuberculosis: Kwara First Lady launches LG initiative, distributes Hilux, 32 bikes

The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador (Prof.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has launched the Local Government Tuberculosis Champions (LGTC) initiative to intensify efforts in combating tuberculosis across the state.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the launch event, detailed in a press release issued by Saad Temitope, Press Secretary for the Kwara State Ministry of Health, also featured the distribution of two Hilux vehicles and 32 motorcycles to the 16 Local Government Areas in Kwara State.

These resources are intended to boost tuberculosis awareness campaigns and intervention programs.

In her address, the First Lady called on the spouses of Local Government Chairmen to collaborate in the fight against tuberculosis, aiming for a healthier future for the people of Kwara State.

She emphasized the need for the newly inaugurated Tuberculosis Champions to remain unified and focused on their mission to eradicate the disease at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the event, which was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Ambassador AbdulRazaq highlighted the significant global and local impact of tuberculosis as a public health crisis.

She noted that many individuals remain unaware of their tuberculosis status until complications arise, stressing the importance of heightened awareness, education, and advocacy.

The First Lady urged the Tuberculosis Champions to serve as advocates within their communities, spreading vital information and implementing health programs.

She also revealed that her advocacy efforts had resulted in increased budgetary allocations for health, particularly for tuberculosis-focused initiatives, in Kwara State.

Through the Ajike People Support Centre, the state has amplified tuberculosis sensitization campaigns, offering free testing and treatment to improve the lives of affected individuals.

Mrs. AbdulRazaq also disclosed plans to integrate tuberculosis and HIV treatments into the state’s health insurance scheme, ensuring accessible healthcare for a larger population.

She encouraged the champions to use their roles to raise awareness about tuberculosis prevention, early detection, and the importance of timely treatment within their respective communities.

The First Lady emphasized that partnerships, community engagement, and strong healthcare systems are critical to effectively addressing tuberculosis.

In her remarks, Dr. Amina Ahmed-El-Imam, the Commissioner for Health, announced the introduction of portable digital X-ray machines to enhance tuberculosis case detection and reporting.

She explained that the vehicles and motorcycles distributed to the local governments would facilitate outreach, particularly in underserved and remote areas where TB cases often go undetected.

Dr. Ahmed-El-Imam commended development partners for their contributions and urged all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in the fight against tuberculosis.

Representing the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Jos highlighted the severe threat tuberculosis poses, calling for collective efforts to address the disease.

He noted that the involvement of all stakeholders is vital to achieving significant progress in reducing TB cases in Kwara State.

Other speakers, including Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Oladipo, Acting Board Chair of the Stop TB Partnership, praised the First Lady’s proactive leadership in addressing tuberculosis as a public health priority.

Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, also lauded the First Lady’s commitment to tackling tuberculosis through innovative and impactful initiatives.

Ambassador AbdulRazaq reiterated her dedication to creating a tuberculosis-free state by prioritizing education, advocacy, and accessible treatment for all.

She encouraged the TB Champions to engage actively with their communities, spreading awareness and supporting affected individuals.

She emphasized that tailored approaches are necessary to address the unique needs of underserved communities, adding that her advocacy had led to increased resources for TB programs, positioning Kwara as a model for other states in public health interventions.

Mrs. AbdulRazaq called for sustained collaboration with international partners, local stakeholders, and government agencies to eliminate TB in Kwara State.

Dr. Ahmed-El-Imam highlighted that the deployment of portable digital X-ray machines marks a significant advancement in improving early detection and treatment of tuberculosis.

She expressed optimism that the vehicles and motorcycles would enable healthcare workers to reach hard-to-reach communities more effectively.

Stakeholders at the event expressed confidence that these initiatives would significantly accelerate the state’s progress in combating the disease

This collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Office of the First Lady exemplifies the impact of strategic leadership in addressing public health crises like tuberculosis.

Ambassador AbdulRazaq encouraged the Champions to remain committed to their roles, despite challenges, as their efforts are vital to achieving the state’s vision of eradicating the disease.

Through community mobilization and resource optimization, Kwara State is setting a benchmark for addressing this health challenge and other public health concerns.

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