Report by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has called on critical stakeholders particularly the government, health workers, community leaders, and citizens to support the ongoing fight against Tuberculosis (TB) to help eradicate the disease.
She made the call during the official inauguration and distribution of two new Toyota Hilux vehicles and 28 Boxer motorcycles to TB health workers in a ceremony held in Gusau, the state capital.
According to her, the initiative aims was to enhance outreach and improve TB services across all 14 local government areas of the state.
Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal who described TB as a dangerous but is curable disease, stressed the importance of early detection and treatment.
“As we gather to mark World Tuberculosis Day, it is my distinct pleasure and honor to serve as the TB Champion for Zamfara State. I am truly happy to be part of this collective effort to raise awareness and advocate for the eradication of TB,” she said.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Yes We Can End TB. Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the First Lady emphasized the need for unified action and investment in the fight against TB.
She noted that Zamfara State has recorded significant progress in TB control, with more people now being tested and treated, thereby saving lives.
Hajiya Huriyya commended the Zamfara State Ministry of Health and the Society Care Initiative for the Development of the Underprivileged for organizing the event.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting TB eradication efforts in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
In her remarks, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, lauded the Governor’s wife for her unwavering support, which she said has led to increased testing and treatment of TB patients across the state.
“These are not just administrative efforts; they reflect deep compassion and a genuine concern for the people of Zamfara,” Dr. Maradun stated.
Also speaking, the Zamfara State TB Program Manager, Lawan Sani, revealed that active TB case searches have significantly improved compared to the previous year, with over 10,000 cases detected between 2024 and the first quarter of this year.
According to him, 93 percent of the patients have been successfully treated and cured across the 14 local government areas of the state.
He added that the rapid progress is a result of strategic interventions put in place to strengthen TB control efforts statewide.
