“OSUN GOVERNMENT COMMENDS IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO END TB IN OSUN"

By Segilola Babalola

The Commissioner for Health, Barr Jola Akintola, expressed gratitude for the commitment of implementing partners in ending Tuberculosis (TB) in Osun State, as the state commemorated the 2024 World TB Day under the theme "YES WE CAN END TB" and the slogan "Check am, we no-go Gree for TB." This acknowledgment was made during a press briefing held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Health, Osogbo.

Barr Akintola highlighted the significance of March 24th as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for raising public awareness about TB, commemorating the day in 1882 when Dr. Roberts Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus responsible for TB. He emphasized the methods of TB detection, primarily through sputum examination using Genexpert MTBRIF Machine and other diagnostic techniques, noting its transmission via infected air droplets.

He elaborated on TB symptoms, emphasizing its impact on the lungs and the need for early detection. Barr Akintola also expressed appreciation for the support received from various partners such as WHO, IHVN, TBLON, Damien Foundation of Belgium (DTB), SHEAD, TB DIAH, Break Through Action of Nigeria (BAN), National Tuberculosis Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), and other health agencies in terms of commodities, capacity building, and equipment donation.

Dr. Akindele Adekunle, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, underscored the severity of TB and the importance of advocacy and awareness. He debunked the misconception that TB is solely associated with poverty, emphasizing the need for collaboration between stakeholders to eradicate the disease.

Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of unity in combating TB, highlighting its mode of transmission and the role of awareness in prevention and treatment. He noted malnutrition as a contributing factor to TB spread.

Partners such as IHVN, TBLON, Damien Foundation of Belgium (DTB), ECEWES, and SHEAD commended the state government for its support and called for sustained collaboration to advance TB control efforts in Osun State.

In closing, Dr. Akeem Bello, the Director of Public Health, thanked attendees for their contribution to the success of the World TB Day program and expressed gratitude to Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke for fostering an enabling environment for the event. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding health personnel in TB reporting.