Abayomi said it is expected that up to 50 cases of tuberculosis are treated in Lagos yearly.

“However, we’ve only successfully treated 36 percent of this number, and only 75 percent out of those diagnosed have completed their treatment.

“Across our 27 General Hospitals, 300 primary healthcare facilities and numerous private sector healthcare facilities are actively managing tuberculosis in the state,” he added.

The commissioner stated that globally, 28,000 people are diagnosed with tuberculosis daily, while about 4,000 die of the contagious disease on a daily basis and just half a million people are diagnosed annually in Nigeria.

“It is saddening to know that Nigeria ranks the sixth in the world, contributing to the global tuberculosis burden and is now number one in Africa, with an expected diagnosis of 440,000 TB patients yearly.

“The National TB incidents is about 200,000 population, with Nigeria having a very significant population in this global figure. These statistics translate into a disease burden in Lagos,” Abayomi tweeted.

He said that tuberculosis is a silent killer and that sustained awareness needs to be prioritised as a component of public health strategy.

“Tuberculosis awareness is therefore crucial, as the disease is a significant cause of ill health and death in Lagos State,” Abayomi said.

He, however, said the Lagos government is committed to going to any length to address the problem of under-diagnosis of tuberculosis in the state.

He said, “We, therefore, enjoin Lagos residents to pay attention to tuberculosis awareness to enhance the health of the family as well as [that of] the society in general.

“We call on individuals and corporate bodies to support and participate in tuberculosis awareness campaign #ForAGreaterLagos!”

source: Punch