World Tuberculosis Day: Need For Awareness, Eradication Emphasised

A call has gone out on the need to increase the level of awareness on eradication of tuberculosis in Osun State.

​​​​​​This is as the state joins the rest of the world in marking the World Tuberculosis Day.

The theme of the 2023 World Tuberculosis Day according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) is; "Yes, we can end TB!"

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Health, Kayode Adegoke on the sideline of the event to mark the World Tuberculosis Day.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set aside March 24 annually to raise awareness about the Tuberculosis epidemic and to make efforts to eradicate this global and devastating disease.   

Adegoke made the advocacy at a programme organised to mark Year 2023 edition of World Tuberculosis Day on Friday.

Represented by the Director Of Public Health, Dr Akeem Bello, Adegoke hinted that tuberculosis is preventable and curable.

 "Some of the symptoms of Tuberculosis disease to include, among other; coughing for more than two weeks, coughing out blood, fever, sweating, chest pain, loss of weight and loss of appetite.

"It can affect the brain, bone and every part of the body."

Adegoke advised that any person having those symptoms should go for medical laboratory test at a certified health facility and also at government hospitals where the test and treatment are free.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control in Osun, Dr Adeyinka Gabriel explained that Tuberculosis disease can be controlled and eradicated through the efforts of the state government, local government, Non-Governmental Organisations and also with the total support of the people.

He stressed that anyone suffering from the above mentioned symptoms is suffering from TB but could only be confirmed by authentic laboratory test.

Dr Gabriel urged the residents to carry the awareness campaign to people in their immediate surroundings, church, workplace and other relevant publics.

In attendance were the following stakeholders; the representative of WHO, IHUN, Sherperd Foundation, HMB, PHC (Primary Healthcare Centres), CPOS, DEMER and others.