Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, has urged residents to take deliberate steps toward ending tuberculosis, describing the disease as a serious public health threat that continues to affect families and communities.
Soludo made the call on Tuesday in Awka in a message to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day, observed globally every March 24 to raise awareness about the disease and strengthen efforts to eliminate it.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People.”
She said tuberculosis remains a major health challenge, with thousands of people affected and high mortality rates still being recorded in many communities.
“Ending TB is possible, but the responsibility lies on all of us to take smarter and more sincere actions,” she said.
Despite the burden of the disease, Soludo expressed confidence that it could be controlled with early diagnosis, prompt treatment and stronger public awareness.
She noted that tuberculosis testing and treatment are available free of charge in public health facilities and many private hospitals across Nigeria.
The governor’s wife urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as a cough lasting more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm, fever, night sweats, fatigue and unexplained weight loss to seek medical attention immediately.
According to her, early detection and treatment remain critical to stopping transmission and reducing deaths linked to the disease.
“Once you or anyone around you notice any of the symptoms, rush to any nearby health facility and get checked without hesitation,” she advised.
Soludo also stressed the importance of collective responsibility in the fight against tuberculosis, saying communities must work together to reduce infections and prevent avoidable deaths.
“Together in action, we can end TB deaths in our communities,” she said.
Her message adds to ongoing calls by health advocates for stronger awareness, earlier testing and improved community response as Nigeria continues efforts to curb the spread of tuberculosis.
