The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to combating tuberculosis (TB) by expanding free treatment and diagnostic services, including the introduction of complimentary chest X-rays and specialised paediatric TB diagnostics.

The First Lady of Kwara State, Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, made this announcement on Monday during the commemoration of the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day at Kulende Market in the Sango area of Ilorin, the state capital.

Represented by the Director-General of the Ajike People Support Centre, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Opeloyeru, the First Lady urged residents to promptly report suspected TB cases in their communities to ensure early treatment and prevent further transmission.

Addressing this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the first lady encouraged both the Hausa and Yoruba communities in the area to actively participate in TB awareness efforts and ensure timely case reporting.

According to a statement issued by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hamdalat Saad, made available to the press on Tuesday, Abdulrazaq emphasized that collective action between the government and the public is crucial to save lives through early detection and prevention.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Seun Oguniyi, urged Sango residents to take full advantage of the government’s TB intervention programmes in their own interests.

He, therefore, reaffirmed his committee’s commitments to working with the State Ministry of Health to eradicate quackery in the health sector.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, who was represented by the Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacist Barakat Olanrewaju, further reiterated the government’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that TB diagnosis and treatments remained completely free of charge to patients.

“The state currently has 646 Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) Centers across both public and private health facilities. Plans are therefore underway to double this number to ensure TB services reach every community in Kwara State.” El-Imam stated.

She also thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving free health insurance coverage for TB patients and four of their family members, with access to treatments for various health conditions throughout the year.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the spouse of the Executive Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Hajia Hawawu Podo, the Vice Chairman Mrs. Mary Abiodun and community leaders, among others.