By Abimbola Joseph
CITIZENS COMPASS –The Wife of Ikorodu Local Government Chairman, Mrs Abolanle Adesina, yesterday, flagged off a campaign against Tuberculosis(TB) at Sabo market square in Ikorodu.
The chairperson said the programme was initiated to sensitise the public on causes, prevention and how to curb the spread as well and urged the public to shun stigmatisation.
“Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenges globally and here in Nigeria, despite advances and treatment, it continues to claim lives.
“Our goals is to raise awareness, improve access to TB screening, treatment and ultimately reduce the incidence in the community,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for her support towards the programme and appointing her as the TB ambassador for Ikorodu division.
Mrs Adesina urged residents not to discriminate against people with TB disease in their community but to wncourage them to visit the nearest government hospital for screening, adding that the treatment is free.
“I urge residents to be careful but encourage anybody coughing for two weeks to approach the hospital for check-ups because the disease is infectious and airborne.
“When they are screened and tested positive, they should administer their drugs as prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Earlier in her address, Mrs Esther Ogundipe, the Community health practitioner and TB Supervisor for Ikorodu Local Government Area, said the programme was organised to sensitise the public on early detection of signs and symptoms of the killer disease.
Ogundipe, advised residents to be their brother’s keeper and encouraged anyone coughing consistently for two weeks to visit any health centre closed to them for screening adding that earlier detection and treatment would saves life and curb transfer of infection.
“I advise people to stop the way they interact with TB patient to end high rate of stigmatisation so that they will not keep the ailment to themselves.
“490 patients are on treatment at the first quarter of this year, only 180 completed their treatment for six months because some of them don’t do follow-up.
“This Sept., 562 patient are on treatment across Ikorodu division with a total number of 10 death according to records,” she said..
Similarly, Mr Wasiu Adesina, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu LGA, promised that his administration would prioritise the health sector and support the fight against tuberculosis in eradicating the killer disease in the LGA.
Adesina appealed to resident to take cognisance of their health and ensure they visit the health centre nearest to them if such disease was discovered for early treatment.
He commended the first lady of Lagos State for her support and appointed ambassadors across the state to eradicate the killer disease in our society and promised to take the campaign to all the nooks and crannies of the LGA.
“Let us unite against TB, let us prioritise health, education, and well-being together.
“We can eliminate TB in our community, provide hope and support to those affected, and build a healthier and more resilient environment, ” he said.
In her remarks, the Iyaloja General of Ikorodu, Mrs Busola Isikalu, enjoined traders to spread the information to their various communities and promised to engage market executives to commence door to door campaigns on TB.
The Citizen Compass reports that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency(NPHCDA) vaccinates residents against multiple diseases which includes; measles, Polio, Yellow fever and human Pappilomavirus.
Different health screening exercises were conducted while children and adults from age nine months to 44 years were vaccinated at Sabo market simultaneously during the campaign.
Present at the event includes;IKODASS chairman, Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, All Progressive Congress chieftains, traders, council management team, community leaders, CDC chairman among others
