The Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr Tomi Coker, has expressed concern over rising number of tuberculosis patients in the state.

Ms Coker said this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday as part of activities to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day with the theme, “Yes! We Can End TB.”

The World Tuberculosis Day is annually observed on March 24 to raise awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease.

The commissioner, therefore, said early detection of the disease is key, as it can be treated and cured using a combination of modern medicines.

She assured of government’s commitment to urgent actions toward addressing the situation through increased awareness and education, as well as access to quality healthcare services for residents, especially in rural areas.

Ms Coker said that the state government, with support from Federal Ministry of Health and partners, had been providing free treatment to TB patients across the 20 local government areas through a network of 623 government health centres and selected private and missionary facilities.

She urged residents to report anyone who presents any signs of continuous coughing or other associated symptoms.

She said, “If you or anyone you know have cough lasting two weeks or more with or without sputum, associated weight loss, profuse night sweating, difficulty in breathing or blood-stained sputum, kindly visit the nearest government health facility for check, as this could be tuberculosis.”

In a separate interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Kayode Oladehinde, urged residents to be vigilant and be proactive in seeking medical help if they noticed any TB symptoms.

He emphasised the need for good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease, adding that “with collective efforts, the disease could be eradicated.”

(NAN)