Bauchi First Lady, calls for collective efforts to intensify advocacy and awareness campaign on Health issues

The state first lady Dr Aisha Bala Muhammed has stressed the need for community leaders, religious institutions, the media, and civil society organizations to intensify advocacy and awareness campaigns on Health issues in the State
The first lady made the call during the commemoration of this year’s World Tuberculosis (TB) Day held at the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria in Bauchi.
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Auwal Jatau, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage early health-seeking behavior among the people.
She noted that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable, stressing that collective efforts are needed to ensure every individual has access to timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
She urged stakeholders to break the silence surrounding TB, eliminate stigma, and support those affected with compassion and dignity, and appreciated partners, including government agencies and international organizations, for their continuous support and collaboration toward ending TB in the state.
Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed further assured of her continued commitment to strengthening coordination, improving resource availability, and addressing gaps hindering progress, with a view to changing the narrative and moving closer to a TB-free Bauchi State.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of BACATMA, Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo, said the state is intensifying efforts to scale up TB case detection and treatment.
He disclosed that Bauchi has strengthened its diagnostic capacity with modern technologies, including multiple TB laboratories, GeneXpert machines, and mobile diagnostic facilities capable of reaching underserved communities.
Dr. Sambo added that over 900 treatment centres are currently providing free TB services across the state.
In their goodwill messages, the World Health Organization (WHO), GGHH, UNICEF, L-PRES, and SFH pledged maximum support towards ending TB through sustained advocacy and grassroots awareness campaigns.
They also commended the Bauchi State Government and the Chairman of BACATMA for their tireless efforts in supporting people affected by TB in the state.