Tuberculosis: Kwara First Lady Inaugurates LGTC
.... distributes two Hilux buses, 32 motorcycles, others to LGAs
The Kwara State First lady, Ambassador (Prof) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, today inaugurated Local Government Tuberculosis Champions (LGTC), even as she distributed two Hilux buses and 32 motorcycles to aid campaign against tuberculosis across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.
Ambassador AbdulRazaq also called on the spouses of Local Government Chairmen, to form a common front against the deadly disease, to ensure a healthier future for Kwarans.
Mrs AbdulRazaq who charged the newly inaugurated champions to remain united in their mission to eradicate tuberculosis and ensure a healthier environment, enjoined them to embrace their roles with passion and commitment.
Speaking at the official investiture ceremony of the Local Government Chairady and spouses of Local Government Chairmen organized by the Kwara State Ministry of Health in collaboration With office of the First Lady, she acknowledged the fact that tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge, not only in Nigeria but around the world.
"Regretably, many people who have this disease do not know and may only get to know when severe complications set in. This however, underscores the need for increased awareness, sensitization and advocacy, particularly at the grassroots levels." She stressed.
While congratulating the newly appointed TB Champions, she enjoined them not to only serve as advocates to the grassroots, but also stand as links that supports the spread of interventions in their various communities.
The First Lady explained further that, Kwara State Government, through her advocacy efforts had increased the budgetary allocation of health sector, especially for TB programs.
"Additionally, through the Ajike People Support Centre, we have been able to increase sensitization on TB for the people of Kwara State, so that affected persons can get free testing and free drug treatment, which has helped to improve their livelihood. Efforts are also ongoing to ensure that TB and HIV are captured under the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme." She added.
Ambassador Olufolake therefore, counseled them to allow their voices resonate in their various Local Government Areas, as they spread awareness about the prevention, treatment, and importance of early detection of tuberculosis.
According to her, "let us leverage the support of our partners, engage our communities and strengthen our healthcare systems. Your position as first Ladies in the Local Government Areas will lend a unique voice to this cause, and your leadership will undoubtedly galvanize greater awareness and action in this regard.
Earlier in her remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed- El-Imam said apart from investiture of the Local Government Champions, there would be commissioning of new tools like portable digital X-ray machines and vehicles to accelerate case detection, reporting and treatment of TB.
El-Imam who explained that the provision of vehicles and motorcycles is a game-changer in government's fight against tuberculosis, emphasizing that, the resources would enhance government's ability to reach out to underserved communities.
While appreciating developmental partners for their various roles, the Commissioner called for synergy among stakeholders in order to combat Tuberculosis.
Also speaking, the representative of the Emir of Ilorin and Balogun Alanamu, Dr Abubakar Jos, spoke about the danger of Tuberculosis and called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, in order to combat the disease.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Acting Board Chairman; Stop TP Partnership, Dr Queen Ogbuji-Oladipo, representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Emmanuel Eyitayo and State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi applauded the First Lady for her efforts, stressing it's a testament to the move towards eradicating Tuberculosis in the state.
Saad Temitope
Press Sec
Min of Health
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