The Ogun State government has reaffirmed its commitment to free tuberculosis testing and treatment, intensifying awareness on prevention and early detection to commemorate the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day celebration.

Speaking during a sensitisation campaign in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the State Tuberculosis Control Programme Officer, Olusola Taiwo, said the day was a veritable platform to educate the public on tuberculosis.

Ms Taiwo said that tuberculosis is curable and that testing services are available free of charge at designated health facilities.

She urged residents to take advantage of the free services provided to improve their health status.

She defined tuberculosis as an airborne disease transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, noting that prolonged exposure in poorly ventilated environments increases the risk of infection.

According to the officer, a persistent cough lasting up to two weeks or more is the major symptom, adding that other signs include fever, chest pain, loss of appetite and, in advanced stages, coughing blood.

She emphasised that early detection is critical, noting that an untreated TB patient can infect between 10 and 15 people annually, and urged residents to adopt preventive and protective health measures.

Ms Taiwo advised residents to stay in well-ventilated environments, maintain good nutrition, cover their mouths when sneezing, and avoid indiscriminate spitting, just as she encouraged regular testing.

She commended the state government for sustained support in combating tuberculosis through regular sensitisation and screening, as well as collaborations with development partners working to address public health challenges.

“We wish to use this opportunity to emphasise that early detection is quite critical,” she said.

Some residents who participated in the sensitisation programme, including Adeola Olanipekun and Ismael Kafidipe, admitted having limited prior knowledge of tuberculosis before the awareness campaign.

They, however, expressed readiness to undergo testing to ascertain their health status and commended the state government for organising the sensitisation programme to educate residents on tuberculosis prevention. 

(NAN)