The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating tuberculosis (TB) by expanding free treatment and diagnostic services, including free chest X-rays and specialized TB diagnostics for children.
Speaking at the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day event held at Kulende Market in Ilorin, First Lady Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of early detection in preventing the spread of TB. Represented by the Director General of the Ajike People Support Center, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Opeloyeru, she urged residents to report suspected TB cases promptly.
Addressing the theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” AbdulRazaq encouraged active community participation, particularly among the Hausa and Yoruba populations, in raising TB awareness and ensuring timely case reporting.
In a statement issued by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Hamdalat Saad, the First Lady highlighted the need for collective action between the government and the public to save lives through early detection and prevention.
Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Seun Oguniyi, urged Sango residents to take full advantage of the government’s TB intervention programs. He also reiterated the committee’s commitment to working with the State Ministry of Health to eliminate quackery in the healthcare sector.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, represented by Director of Pharmacy Pharmacist Barakat Olanrewaju, assured stakeholders of the government’s continued efforts to provide free TB diagnosis and treatment. She noted that Kwara currently operates 646 Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) centres across public and private health facilities, with plans to double this number for broader coverage.
El-Imam also expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving free health insurance coverage for TB patients and four of their family members, ensuring access to treatments for various health conditions throughout the year.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the spouse of the Executive Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Hajia Hawawu Podo, Vice Chairman Mrs. Mary Abiodun, and other community leaders.
