Lagos State Government has intensified its fight against Tuberculosis (TB) with a large-scale awareness walk and high-level symposium to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day 2026. The event, themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, Powered by people,” brought together stakeholders, healthcare workers, and community advocates to review progress and chart pathways towards eliminating TB in Lagos State.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, emphasized the need for innovative strategies to combat TB, highlighting that community-based officers and grassroots workers must serve as “foot soldiers” in the fight against the disease. She also stressed the importance of early education, advocating for deliberate engagement of students in TB advocacy to reduce misinformation and promote accurate information within communities.
Lagos State records about 24,000 TB cases annually, with approximately 16,000 cases identified, leaving a significant number undiagnosed and contributing to ongoing transmission within communities. The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, urged residents to seek medical evaluation promptly when symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats occur [1].
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility, as stakeholders pledged to intensify efforts towards eliminating tuberculosis across the State.
