Osun State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Breakthrough Action Nigeria, BAN, organised one-day enlightenment programme for media personnel in the state on Tuberculosis disease.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, stressed the importance of media support in raising awareness about tuberculosis, adding that early detection is crucial for effective treatment and cure.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Akeem Bello, Akintola said that the state government was doing everything possible to make quality healthcare delivery available to the people.
He reiterated the proactive measures of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the health sector, stressing the need for consistent media engagement to effectively communicate the government’s impacts in provision of healthcare services to people across the state.
Bello lauded Breakthrough Action Nigeria for their partnership, reaffirming the availability of government commodities and drugs for Tuberculosis treatment which he termed curable.
Addressing the gathering, Osun Program Manager for Tuberculosis, Dr. Deji Gbadamosi, provided an overview of the burden and control of TB in Nigeria and the state. He underscored the need for increased media coverage to educate the public about TB symptoms, risk factors, and prevention measures.
Dr. Gbadamosi emphasized that Tuberculosis is treatable and preventable, stressing the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices and seeking early medical attention.
He noted the need for increased media coverage to educate the public about TB symptoms, treatment, prevention measures and risk factors.
Dr Gbadamosi also provided information about state facilities and private hospitals where free TB testing is available.
“Tuberculosis is preventable and treatable. Practice good hygiene and seek early treatment through medical attentions while carriers of Tuberculosis should go to the nearest state facilities and private hospitals, the moment they notice the symptoms, which include, vomiting, diaheria, persistent coughing among others,” he concluded.
Representing Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Adebisi Adetunji, outlined the objectives of the training which includes enhancing media personnel’s understanding of TB control efforts, increasing media coverage of TB, and strengthening collaboration between the media and the state TB team.
She said that the disease is transmitted from bacteria and infects both adult and children, adding that it is a treatable and curable disease.
