23rd March, 2018
Ondo State Government has tasked traditional rulers on grassroots campaign against tuberculosis disease.
Dr Samuel Akingbesote, the state’s Programme Manager for Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Ulcer, gave the challenge on Friday in Akure to mark the UN 2018 World Tuberculosis Day with the theme “Wanted Leaders for Free Tuberculosis World.”
Akingbesote, who made the call at the palace of Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, the Deji of Akure, noted that if all traditional rulers could emulate the traditional ruler, TB would be tackled squarely.
The programme manager said TB, though chronic and infectious, could be cured; hence the need for people to volunteer to take leadership that would champion the fight against the disease.
According to him, whoever coughs for two or more weeks should go to the nearest health facility for medical attention.
He added that “tuberculosis test and treatment are free in Ondo State. Anyone who has cough for two weeks or more should seek medical help at the nearest health clinic.
“Fortunately, the state is one of the 20 states in the country that has treatment facilities that deal with drug-resistant tuberculosis.”
He warned people against spitting on the floor and advised that people should imbibe the culture of using handkerchief while coughing and avoid spreading the disease.
READ: 40 youths undergo training in animal fattening, sorghum cultivation procedures
Dr Francis Akanbiemu, the Executive Secretary of Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Board, said the board would continue to support campaign against TB.
Mr Martin-Mary, the state Coordinator of Tuberculosis Networks, said the state in collaboration with members of Civil Society Organisations was targeting some personalities that could help in the fight against TB.
He said “TB has been neglected and it is an infectious disease because everyone takes from the same pool of air.
“On this note, we are decorating Oba Aladelusi, Chief Pius Akomolafe, a community leader, Dr Akanbiemu, and wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Ayanwu-Akeredolu as TB champions.
“We want the state government to increase budgetary allocation for TB and we believe that if we all take good actions, Ondo State will be TB-free.”