World TB Day: Over Eleven Thousand People Diagnosed, Placed On Treatment – Oyo Health Commissioner (PHOTOS)
Oyo state Commissioner for health, Dr Olabode Oladipo has called for aggressive case finding and awareness on the scourge of Tuberculosis, with a view to reducing the spate of the disease in the state.
Dr Oladipo stated this while speaking at an event to mark the 2023 World tuberculosis day held at the Oyo state college of Health Science and technology, Eleyele Ibadan.
The commissioner, represented by permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Olusoji Adeyanju said Nigeria is ranked 6th among the 30 high TB burden countries and number one in Africa, while Oyo State accounts for 13th high TB burden States within the country.
He disclosed that the total number of individual screened for TB in 2022 stands at 136,226 out of which over eleven thousand people were diagnosed of TB and placed on treatment.
He said “663 patients were co-infected with TB and HIV. This shows the burden of the TB in Oyo State and the need for aggressive awareness creation and case finding to curb the scourge of TB in our State.
“The test is free across the 33 LGAs in the Stats and those confirmed positive for TB will be given free treatment.” He said
“This administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has specifically made health one of the four cardinal pillars of his administration. Presently the governments in collaboration with different partners have provided free TB services across 684 health facilities in the 33LGAS. Furthermore, there is an ongoing TB services expansion to all nooks and crannies of the State.” He noted
“At this point I would like to acknowledge the unflinching support of all our Implementing Partners, World Heald Organization, Damien Foundation Belgium, Institute of Humar Virology, Nigeria, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, APIN Public Heal Initiatives, Christiana Olawumi Foundation, Development Governance International-Consult, religious groups, occupationa! groups, other civil society organizations and the media houses that has supported the TB Programme thus far.”
Dr Oladipo who said the state government was in collaboration with different partners to provide free TB services across the thirty three local governments, urged residents to avail themselves the free TB screening and treatment presently being enjoyed in the state.
In a goodwill message, state coordinator, World Health Organization, Dr Phillip Zorto, represented by Dr Oluyinka Dania said WHO was committed to supporting the state in the fight against TB.
Also speaking, Oyo state coordinator, USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung said community, religious and political leaders as well as other key stakeholders must put hands on deck to end the menace.
At the event, students of the college of health science and technology Eleyele were trained on tuberculosis while a road show was done to sensitize members of the public.
