First Lady leads Lagos’ new push as women leaders are appointed TB champions

Lagos State has intensified its tuberculosis (TB) response by appointing female lawmakers, newly elected female council chairmen, and spouses of political office holders as community TB Champions and Ambassadors, strengthening grassroots mobilisation in the race to eliminate the disease by 2030.

Led by the First Lady and State TB Champion, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the investiture at the First Lady’s Banquet Hall in Alausa marked a strategic shift toward community-focused advocacy. She said women remain central to breaking stigma, promoting early testing, and ensuring treatment adherence across densely populated communities.

The First Lady confirmed that three female legislators, seven female council chairmen, and 27 spouses of lawmakers and council chairmen have now joined the frontline of the state’s TB campaign. She disclosed that more than 19,500 cases were notified in 2024 and over 11,700 patients placed on treatment this year, stressing that TB is curable when communities understand the symptoms and act early.

She urged the honourees to integrate TB messaging into local meetings, empower households with accurate information, push for increased funding, and support patients battling discrimination or economic hardship.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described TB as one of the most dangerous infections, warning that treatment default contributes to drug-resistant strains that threaten Lagos’ population of over 30 million. He welcomed the new ambassadors, calling it a deliberate pivot from hospital-based control to community vigilance.

Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the honourees will help reduce stigma and boost access to TB services, while TB Steering Committee Chair, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, emphasised that women in leadership hold the influence needed to shift community attitudes.

Development partners, including the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme, Stop TB Partnership, and the WHO, praised Lagos for sustained leadership and reaffirmed their support. They noted that the First Lady’s visibility has elevated Nigeria’s TB response internationally.

The First Lady expressed confidence that with consistent engagement and stronger community action, Lagos will make significant progress toward achieving the End TB 2030 target.