The Oyo State Government has flagged off integrated health outreach programmes across all 33 Local Government Areas of the state to commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, offering free screening, testing, and counselling services for TB, HIV, and malaria.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ending TB as it joined the global community to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2026 at an event held at Molete Primary Health Centre, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.
At the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described TB as a major public health concern with significant social and economic impact, noting that the disease is both preventable and curable with appropriate interventions.
She highlighted the state’s commitment to evidence-based strategies, including early detection, effective treatment, and strengthened community engagement, supported by ongoing investments in primary healthcare and broader health system strengthening.
Referencing the 2026 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB!”, the commissioner stressed the need for sustained collaboration and increased investment to bridge existing gaps, noting that many TB cases remain undiagnosed.
She disclosed that key interventions in the state include decentralising TB services to primary healthcare facilities, active case finding through outreach teams, and the deployment of advanced diagnostic tools to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
Ajetunmobi called on stakeholders and the public to support efforts aimed at reducing stigma and promoting early health-seeking behaviour, especially among individuals with a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Kehinde Ayinde, disclosed that the state government has released counterpart funding to further strengthen TB treatment efforts, urging all stakeholders to play their roles in eradicating TB, in line with the national drive of “Led by Government, Powered by the People.”
Implementing partners present at the event, including the World Health Organisation, Damien Foundation Belgium, Christianah Olawumi Foundation, Apin Public Health Initiative, and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, commended the state government for progress made in TB control and pledged continued support towards the complete eradication of the disease.