The Ekiti State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme under the State’s Primary Health Care Development Agency (EKSPHCDA) has raised alarm over a persistent upward trend in tuberculosis (TB) cases across the country.
The concern was raised during a sensitisation walk and outreach programme organised in Ado-Ekiti, to commemorate the 2026 World TB Day themed “We Can End TB”.
The walk, carried out in collaboration with the Association of Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) and other partners, started at exactly 9:00am beside a popular commercial bank in Ajilosun and ended at exactly 11:00am at Fayose Market.
Speaking with journalists, the Programme Manager for the State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Orojo Joshua Adebayo, described the rising TB cases as worrisome, revealing that the state recorded a 34 per cent increase in 2023 compared to 2022, followed by a further 39 per cent rise in 2024.
Adebayo stressed the need for sustained awareness, noting that many residents still lack adequate knowledge about TB symptoms and treatment.
He explained that the ongoing campaign targets early detection by encouraging individuals experiencing prolonged cough, chest pain, weight loss, or loss of appetite to present themselves for screening.
Also speaking, the Assistant State AIDS Programme Coordinator with the State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, Taiwo Ilesanmi, highlighted the importance of TB-HIV collaboration, adding that integrating both services during outreach helps improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
Also speaking, Technical Officer for ART and TB/HIV at ECEWS, Dr. Chukwunonso Enyi, said the organisation is utilising WHO-recommended screening tools alongside mobile diagnostic equipment to enhance case finding and promote community awareness.
