Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State governor, has identified Tuberculosis (TB) as a major public health challenge affecting communities across Nigeria.

In a statement to mark this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, Mrs. Soludo said thousands of individuals and families continue to be affected by the contagious disease, warning that the rising mortality figures remain a source of concern.

She, however, stressed that the disease is preventable and treatable, noting that the solution is within reach if people seek early diagnosis and adhere to treatment.

“Ending TB is possible, but the responsibility lies solely on us to take smarter and more sincere actions,” she said, adding that diagnosis and treatment are available free of charge at public health facilities and several private hospitals nationwide.

Mrs. Soludo urged residents to watch for symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

She encouraged members of the public not to delay testing or treatment, stressing that early detection remains critical to reducing TB-related deaths.

“Once you or anyone around you notice any of the symptoms, rush to a nearby health facility and get checked. Together, we can end TB deaths in our communities,” she said.