The Nigerian government is committed to prioritising prevention and expanding TB Testing and treatment centres across the country, ensuring that the treatment remains free and accessible to the most vulnerable.
Wife of the Nigerian President, Oluremi Tinubu said through strategic investments, the country is in the right direction to rid off tuberculosis.
She revealed these at the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day-Community Outreach in Sauka Community, Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
“We are working to bridge the gap in TB detection and care on all fronts in Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu was quoted in a statement released and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, Alaba Balogun, on Tuesday.
“The government has prioritised expanding TB testing and treatment centres across Nigeria, ensuring that TB treatment remains free and accessible to all, strengthening our community-based healthcare system to reach the most vulnerable populations and, enhancing funding and partnerships to scale up TB control programs”, she said.
She also pledged a sum of One Billion Naira from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) towards the fight against Tuberculosis in Nigeria.
According to the Nigerian first lady, this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver” with our local slogan ” We Fit Do Am”, is a call to action for all Nigerians and international partners, adding that TB is a national emergency that required urgent attention because it is preventable and curable.
Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare commended the First Lady for her support in efforts to eradicate TB in Nigeria.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako posited that Nigeria is one of the high burden countries, contributing 4.6% of the global burden.
“This public health challenge is further worsened by factors such as stigma and discrimination against those affected by TB, poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions and inadequate access to quality healthcare services”, he was quoted in the statement.
Regarding Nigeria’s TB response, Dr. Salako said the country recorded it’s highest-ever TB notification of over 400,000 cases in 2024, translating to a case detection rate of 79% .
“Additionally, TB notification among children has seen remarkable improvement, rising from 8,293 in 2018 to about 43,000 in 2024. Nigeria has intensified efforts to further strengthen TB screening, diagnosis, treatment and preventive services across the country in line with the TB National Strategic Plan (NSP) under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative NHRII.
“The President has directed and provided the enabling environment for primary healthcare revitalisation with over 10,000 primary healthcare centres currently being upgraded and 120,000 healthcare workers at the PHC levels being exposed to ongoing training”, the Minister said.
Dr. Salako further enumerated that the use of digital tools, mobile technology and, artificial intelligence is being expanded to enhance surveillance, case management and, adherence to TB treatment, and added that almost 400 portable digital x-ray equipments are being deployed to communities and health facilities nationwide to facilitate prompt screening and early diagnosis of TB especially in underserved communities.