The Ekiti Government has intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) with free screening and awareness campaign to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day.
Health workers, residents, representatives of development partners and government officials participated in a rally held on Tuesday in Ajilosun, Odo Ado and Adebayo/Olorunda and other parts of Ado-Ekiti.
The campaign was aimed at raising awareness about TB, promoting early detection and reducing stigma associated with the disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the state government remained committed to eliminating TB through improved access to diagnosis and treatment.
“Tuberculosis remains a major public health concern, but it is preventable and curable.
“The Ekiti Government is strengthening access to diagnosis and treatment across all communities,” he said.
The rally moved through major streets of the capital city, with participants displaying banners bearing messages such as “Yes! We Can End TB” and “Test Early, Treat Early”.
Residents were offered free screening at designated centres, including Fayose Market in Ajilosun, Enu Odi Primary Health Care Centre in Odo Ado and Olorunda Health Care Centre in Adebayo.
The Chairman, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Funke Ogunbunmi, represented by the Executive Secretary, Dr Rasheed Adepoju, stressed the importance of community-based interventions.
“Taking TB services closer to the people is key to ending the disease. Early detection saves lives and prevents transmission,” he said.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager, Ekiti State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Mr Orojo Joshua Adebayo, commended the state’s proactive approach.
“Ekiti has demonstrated strong political will in tackling TB. Continued collaboration with partners will accelerate progress toward eradication,” she said.
Orojo described the rising TB cases as worrisome, revealing that the state recorded 34 percent increase in 2023 compared to a higher percentage to a lower percentage in 2022, followed by a further rising percent in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
The State Technical Officer, Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Dr Odeyemi Olatunji, urged residents to seek early medical attention.
“We urge residents to report symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss and night sweats early. Treatment is free and available in all health facilities in the state,” he said.
A community leader, Mr Wale Oloidi, described the initiative as beneficial, noting that many residents might not have come forward without the outreach.
Health educators also distributed informational materials and sensitised residents on the need to complete treatment and avoid misinformation.
Officials said the awareness campaign and free screening would continue until March 27 across health centres in the state.
World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually to raise awareness about the health, social and economic impact of TB and to accelerate efforts to end the global epidemic.
