In a major step towards combating Tuberculosis (TB), the Oyo State House of Assembly has declared support for the establishment of a State Parliamentary TB Caucus. This move positions Oyo State as a pacesetter in the fight against TB in Nigeria.
The declaration was made by Hon. Saminu Rilwan Gbadamosi, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, during an advocacy visit by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Mayowa Joel, on February 6, 2024.
Hon. Gbadamosi commended the Stop TB Partnership for its efforts in mobilizing resources to save lives and acknowledged the alarming TB statistics: 1 person dies of TB every 7 minutes in Nigeria (Global TB Report 2024). He emphasized the need for increased awareness and action, stating that the establishment of the TB Caucus will be deliberated by the House Committee on Health for further consideration.
Key Highlights from the Meeting:
76% of LGAs in Oyo State have at least 1 molecular TB testing machine.
54% of health facilities in the state offer TB treatment services.
0% funding by the state government for TB programs (State TB Scorecard, Dec. 2024).
Mr. Mayowa Joel stressed the importance of the TB Caucus in creating awareness, formulating anti-stigma policies, and ensuring budget allocation for TB interventions. He also highlighted the need for lawmakers from various committees to join the Caucus for a multi-sectoral approach.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Hon. Oluseun Abiodun Babalola (Vice Chairman, House Committee on Health), Mr. Olayanju Sadiq (Clerk of the Committee), and representatives from PLAN Foundation and Stop TB Partnership Nigeria.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Abiodun Fadeyi, was also briefed and expressed his commitment to the establishment of the TB Caucus.
This is a significant step forward in the fight against TB in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Let’s work together to #EndTB!
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