The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has called on women to take a frontline role in the fight against tuberculosis and other public health challenges, emphasizing early detection and prompt reporting of symptoms.
Dr. Ayuk made the call during a pep talk at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held on Tuesday at the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs in Calabar.
Addressing participants, the Commissioner stressed the importance of vigilance within homes and communities, urging women to promptly report suspected cases of tuberculosis to the nearest health facility.
He explained that persistent coughing or sneezing lasting more than two weeks should be treated as warning signs, noting that early intervention can prevent the disease from becoming fatal.
“Tuberclosis remains a major public health concern. If left untreated, it can be deadly. But the good news is that it is treatable when detected early. There is no reason anyone should die from a disease that can be easily managed,” he said.
Dr. Ayuk further highlighted the strong link between tuberculosis and HIV, revealing that a significant number of HIV-related deaths are due to tuberculosis complications.
He urged women to be proactive in safeguarding the health of their families, noting that they are often the closest caregivers and first responders within households.
According to him, women do not need to seek permission before reporting health concerns, especially when they observe unusual symptoms in their spouses, children, or neighbours.
The Commissioner also underscored the broader role of women in achieving global health targets, particularly the elimination of communicable diseases by 2030.
“If we undermine the role of women in healthcare, we may never achieve the 2030 target for disease elimination. Women are central to prevention, detection, and care,” he stated.
He commended the Wife of the Governor and Governor Bassey Otu for their commitment to improving the health sector in the state, noting that significant progress has been made since 2023.
Dr. Ayuk concluded by encouraging women to remain health-conscious and actively support government efforts aimed at promoting public health and saving lives.
Kingsley Agim
