Promoting Health Services In Lagos State Health District IV ; Sanwo Olu Commissions TB Treatment Centre In Surulere ,
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo‑Olu, has commissioned a Tuberculosis (TB) treatment centre under Lagos State Health District IV’s School Health Programme at New Era Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo‑Olu highlighted the need for TB hospitals and dedicated centres across Lagos because the state’s dense population and urban conditions increase transmission and contribute to drug‑resistant cases
She said decentralizing care reduces stigma and improves detection and treatment rates. Noting Nigeria’s TB burden — ranked first in Africa and sixth worldwide — she emphasized that Lagos State plays a significant role in national statistics.
The First Lady also reminded the public that the government provides TB diagnosis and treatment free of charge to lessen the economic burden on patients.
She cited Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria, as the National Ambassador for TB and affirmed that she and other local advocates remain committed to TB awareness and control in Lagos. Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo‑Olu urged students to look out for peers who have been coughing for two weeks or more and to encourage them to seek testing and care — a simple act of compassion that can help end TB in the state.
Also speaking, Mrs. Omotosho Rosemary, principal of New Era Girls JSS, welcomed the First Lady and expressed deep gratitude for the new facility.
She said the sickbay will provide immediate emergency care, reduce student absenteeism, and offer a calm, safe space for pupils who are injured or unwell.
According to a statement by Michael Oputeh, Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Health District IV’, the centre, she added, will ensure professional nursing oversight, help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and give parents greater peace of mind.
Dr. Fadare Folashade, Medical Director of Harvey General Hospital, gave an overview of Tuberculosis, explaining that TB is an airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also target the brain, kidneys, or spine.
She stressed that TB is both preventable and curable, but can be fatal if left untreated. Dr. Folashade outlined the two forms of TB: latent TB, where bacteria remain inactive and noncontagious without symptoms, and active TB, where bacteria multiply, cause illness, and can be transmitted to others.
Present at the commissioning were Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District IV; Dr. Fadare Folashade, Medical Director, Harvey General Hospital; Hon. Yussuf Bamidele, Chairman, Surulere Local Government; Dr. Oludolapo Sotunde, Director, Medical Services and Disease Control, Health District IV; Dr. Oni Titilayo, Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, Health District IV; Pharm. Adeniji M.B., Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Health District IV; Nurse Balogun Taiwo, Director, Nursing Services, Health District IV; and Mrs. Omotosho Rosemary, Principal, New Era Girls JSS, Surulere.