In commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed globally on March 24, Hon. (Ogbeni) Seun David Ogunniyi Adato, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency, actively participated in two significant events aimed at raising awareness and combating the spread of TB in the state.
The first event, TB Case Search and Community Sensitization Campaign, was held at Kulende Market, Ilorin South LGA. Organized by the Kwara State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Kwara State, the event was themed: “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Dignitaries in attendance included Her Excellency, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the Kwara State First Lady and State TB Eradication Champion (represented by a delegate); Pharm. Barakat Olanrewaju, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health; Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health; Dr. Fatima Lawal-Lah, State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme Manager; Dr. Eyitayo, WHO Kwara State Coordinator; representatives of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH); the Vice Chairman of Ilorin South LGA; and various community leaders, including Imam Hausa, Imam Yoruba, and the Alangua of Sango.
The campaign emphasized the importance of early TB detection and treatment to halt transmission.
Hon. Ogunniyi commended the Kwara State Government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for prioritizing healthcare interventions, particularly the health insurance coverage for TB patients and four of their household members, ensuring free treatment for select health conditions for one year.
Additionally, the state’s acquisition of AI-powered portable digital X-ray machines to screen for TB and other respiratory diseases was highlighted as a major step in improving healthcare access.
The second event was a public lecture organized by the Kwara State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Ilorin. The session was attended by Dr. Princess Priscilla Gondo-Aluor, North Central Zonal Director, NOA; Alhaji Dare Abdulganiyu Olurotimi, NOA Kwara State Director; Mrs. Kemi Omole, State Deputy Director; Hajia Aminat Ahman, Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health; and NOA officials.
Speaking on his participation in both events, Hon. Ogunniyi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting TB eradication efforts in Kwara State, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) End TB Strategy, which aims to eliminate TB globally by 2035.
“As Chairman of the House Committee on Health & Nutrition, I will continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure our communities receive the necessary support to combat this public health challenge,” he stated.
