Stakeholders gathered in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, to commemorate this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, themed “Yes! We Can End TB.” At the event organised by the National Orientation Agency, it was agreed that the campaign must go beyond mere sloganeering and translate into concrete actions.
Speaking while marking the occasion with members of her management team in her office, Mrs Ajolayo Sinmat Akande, the Director of the National Orientation Agency, Oyo State, noted that achieving a tuberculosis-free society required collective and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
She emphasised the need to align words with action to make the global aspiration of ending TB a practical reality rather than wishful thinking.
The director expressed concern that, despite relentless sensitisation campaigns and collaborative efforts by the NOA at both state and local government levels, alongside interventions by healthcare professionals on tuberculosis, it was worrisome that TB continued to persist within communities.
She therefore called for more proactive, coordinated measures to combat the disease, stressing that renewed efforts were necessary to curb its spread.
According to her, tuberculosis is a curable disease when detected early and properly managed. She highlighted that adherence to preventive measures, access to approved medication, and adequate funding of health programmes were critical factors in eliminating the disease.
Mrs Akande advised that individuals exhibiting symptoms such as persistent coughing, sneezing, or the release of infectious droplets should seek immediate medical attention.
She also urged the public to avoid prolonged close contact with infected persons, reduce overcrowding, and refrain from inhaling cigarette smoke, all of which could increase the risk of transmission.
Describing tuberculosis as an airborne disease that spreads easily, she emphasised the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent infection.
The NOA director further urged citizens to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly at the grassroots level, to curb the spread of the disease. She reassured the public that the goal of ending tuberculosis remained achievable through collective responsibility and sustained action.