The Lagos government says it is determined to change the high burden of tuberculosis narrative in the state by increasing awareness and ensuring effective service delivery.

The permanent secretary in the health ministry, Olusegun Ogboye, gave the assurance at a media briefing in Lagos to commemorate the 2022 World TB Day in Lagos on Wednesday.

Nigeria ranks seventh among the 20 TB high-burdened countries globally, with Lagos having the highest TB burden in Nigeria.

“Lagos government is determined now, more than ever, to change this narrative. Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 63 million lives since 2000,” he explained. “With a population of over 23 million people and a projected 3.2 per cent annual growth rate, the incidence rate of TB in Lagos state is 219 per 100,000 populations.”

He added, “Prevalence rate is 330 per 100,000 populations while the annual expected notification rate is about 50,000 TB cases. It has become pertinent to increase general awareness ensure effective service delivery, including diagnosis, treatment, and care, by improving access to TB diagnosis and treatment services.”

He disclosed that the Lagos government had launched three mobile X-ray vans to increase active case search in the state, thereby increasing case finding and diagnosis.

Mr Ogboye said it was estimated that approximately 30,000 people fell ill daily, and over 4,100 lost their lives to TB.