As Osun State joined the rest of the world to mark World Tuberculosis Day, a call has gone out on the need to increase the level of awareness on eradication of tuberculosis in Osun State.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Health, Kayode Adegoke on the sideline of the event to mark the World Tuberculosis Day.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set aside March 24 annually to raise awareness about tuberculosis and to make efforts to eradicate this global and devastating disease.
Adegoke made the advocacy at a programme organised to mark the 2023 edition of the World Tuberculosis Day on Friday.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Akeem Bello, Adegoke hinted that tuberculosis is preventable and curable, saying: “Some of the symptoms of Tuberculosis include, among others, coughing for more than two weeks, coughing out blood, fever, sweating, chest pain, loss of weight and loss of appetite. It can affect the brain, bone and every part of the body.”
Adegoke advised that any person having those symptoms should go for a medical laboratory test at a certified health facility and also at government hospitals where the test and treatment are free.
Speaking at the event, the chairman for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control in Osun, Dr Adeyinka Gabriel, explained that tuberculosis can be controlled and eradicated through the efforts of the state government, local government and Non- Governmental Organisations along with the total support of the people.
He stressed that anyone having the identified symptoms is suffering from TB but could only be confirmed by authentic laboratory tests.
Dr. Gabriel further urged those present at the programme to carry the awareness campaign to the relevant public, especially people in their immediate surroundings, churches and workplace.
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