The Federal Government has allocated N700 billion to the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and immunisation across Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Dr. Amobi Ogah, during the 2025 Pre-World TB Day press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The funding comes amid the withdrawal of financial support from the United States for Nigeria’s fight against these diseases.
Dr. Ogah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative and praised the Minister of Health for facilitating the release of funds.
He assured that the House Committee would provide legislative oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the funds, preventing mismanagement.
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness and mobilize resources to combat tuberculosis, which remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria.
According to the 2024 World Health Organisation (WHO) Global TB report, Nigeria has the highest TB burden in Africa and ranks sixth worldwide, with approximately 467,000 recorded cases in 2023.
Dr. Ogah emphasized that the government must intensify efforts in eradicating TB, urging the Global Fund to increase Nigeria’s TB funding allocation from 18 percent to 30 percent. He also revealed plans to pass legislation that would protect TB patients from discrimination and stigma.
The Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, acknowledged progress in TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention but expressed concern that the disease still significantly affects vulnerable populations.
She stated that advancements such as shorter treatment regimens and digital adherence technologies have brought the country closer to eliminating TB. However, she stressed the need for increased domestic funding, particularly as donor support continues to decline.
Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted that Nigeria recorded its highest-ever TB notification in 2024, identifying over 400,000 cases out of an estimated 506,000 nationwide.
This translated to about 79 percent treatment coverage, marking significant progress. He noted, however, that a large number of TB cases remain undetected, contributing to ongoing transmission. According to him, one untreated TB patient can infect up to 15 others in a year.
In response, the government has intensified efforts to expand TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment services. Strategies include strengthening community engagement, reducing stigma, integrating TB services into maternal and child healthcare programs, and leveraging digital health solutions.
Dr. Ntadom reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the global End TB targets set by the WHO, ensuring that Nigeria moves closer to eliminating the disease.
With this renewed financial commitment and strategic interventions, Nigeria is taking a significant step toward eradicating TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria while improving healthcare access and immunisation coverage nationwide.