The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria by 2030, aligning with global targets to end the epidemic by 2035.
The pledge was made at the 2024 National TB Conference held in Abuja, themed “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery – Panacea to End TB in Nigeria.”
In a strong show of support, Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, highlighted the dire state of TB in the country, noting that Nigeria ranks sixth globally and first in Africa for TB burden, with over 467,000 cases recorded in 2023.
“TB remains a public health crisis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Children and young adolescents are among the most vulnerable, representing 12% of all cases in 2023,” she stated.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, she emphasized public-private partnerships as key to tackling the disease.
Senator Tinubu also lauded the impact of her personal donation, which funded additional diagnostic tools to improve case detection.
“I am committed to the collective fight against TB. Sustained investment and innovative strategies are crucial in overcoming barriers to care and ensuring no one is left behind,” she added.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, underscored the Federal Government's determination to eliminate TB through inclusive, rights-based, and gender-responsive approaches.
He announced a $25 million commitment from the Nigerian private sector, directed toward workplace health programmes, expanding health insurance for TB care, and integrating TB control measures across industries.
Pate called on state governments to align with federal efforts by prioritizing TB in their budgets. He highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders, stating, “Together, we can address funding gaps, combat stigma, and improve healthcare access for TB patients.”
Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership Global, expressed optimism about Nigeria's leadership in the fight against TB, citing increased financing and collective action as critical drivers. “With the steps being taken, Nigeria has the potential to lead Africa in eliminating TB,” she said.
The conference served as a platform for dialogue and innovation, focusing on enhancing detection, treatment, and prevention strategies. It emphasized the integration of TB initiatives into broader healthcare systems, particularly through public-private collaboration.
As Nigeria mobilizes resources and expertise, the commitment to ending TB by 2030 remains a top priority, signaling hope for millions affected by the disease nationwide.