Oluremi Tinubu flags off TB prevention campaign in Jigawa

The Nigerian First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a tuberculosis awareness and prevention campaign in Northern Nigeria, with Jigawa State hosting the first phase of the initiative.

The campaign, inaugurated on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Dutse, aims to raise awareness and combat the spread of tuberculosis across the region.

Representing the First Lady at the event, the Jigawa State First Lady and Ambassador of the Tuberculosis Campaign in the state, Hajia Hadiza Namadi, emphasised the urgency of tackling tuberculosis in Nigeria.

“Tuberculosis is a major public health concern in Nigeria, and it requires a collective effort to combat it,” she stated.

As part of the campaign, the wives of all 27 Local Government Area chairmen were conferred with the title of TB Champions. Mrs Namadi tasked them with taking the campaign to the grassroots level to ensure widespread awareness and prevention.

“The launch of the campaign against tuberculosis in Jigawa State marks a significant step towards combating the disease in the North,” she said.

She further noted, “With the support of the First Lady and the state government, the campaign is expected to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people affected by the disease.”

“As the campaign against tuberculosis gains momentum in Jigawa State, it is expected that other states in the North will follow suit in working towards a tuberculosis-free Nigeria,” she added.

Speaking at the event, Acting Programme Manager at the Jigawa State Ministry of Health, Dr Umar Muhd Rabi’u, highlighted the severity of the tuberculosis situation in the state.

“There are over 3,000 tuberculosis patients in Jigawa State,” Rabi’u said, stressing the need for urgent action.

“All hands must be on deck in the fight against this menace,” he stated.

The campaign launch was attended by representatives of health organisations, experts, government officials, women’s groups, and the wives of the 27 Jigawa LGA chairmen.

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed TB Champions, the wife of the Jigawa ALGON Chairman, Hajia Maryam Lawan, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for initiating the campaign in the state.

She pledged, “We will take the campaign to the grassroots level and work tirelessly to ensure that the message of tuberculosis awareness and prevention reaches every corner of the state.”

Hajia Maryam Lawan commended the First Lady for her commitment, stating, “By launching the campaign against tuberculosis in Jigawa, the First Lady has demonstrated her willingness to take bold action to address health challenges facing the state.”

A key highlight of the event was the testimony of a tuberculosis survivor, Nasifa Lawan, an indigene of Dutse.

Lawan recounted her ordeal, explaining that she initially experienced symptoms such as a persistent cough and catarrh. Her testimony underscored the importance of early detection and treatment.